CD20+ B cells: the other tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes

J Immunol. 2010 Nov 1;185(9):4977-82. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1001323.

Abstract

Tumor-infiltrating CD8(+) T cells are strongly associated with patient survival in a wide variety of human cancers. Less is known about tumor-infiltrating CD20(+) B cells, which often colocalize with T cells, sometimes forming organized lymphoid structures. In autoimmunity and organ transplantation, T cells and B cells collaborate to generate potent, unrelenting immune responses that can result in extensive tissue damage and organ rejection. In these settings, B cells enhance T cell responses by producing Abs, stimulatory cytokines, and chemokines, serving as local APCs, and organizing the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures that sustain long-term immunity. Thus, B cells are an important component of immunological circuits associated with persistent, rampant tissue destruction. Engagement of tumor-reactive B cells may be an important condition for generating potent, long-term T cell responses against cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD20 / immunology*
  • Autoimmunity / immunology
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, CD20