B Cells (B Lymphocytes) is an important cell type in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
B cells (B lymphocytes) are adaptive immune cells that play critical roles in humoral immunity through antibody production. While traditionally studied in peripheral immunology, emerging research reveals important roles for B cells and humoral immunity in neurodegenerative diseases. [1]
B cells are produced and matured in the bone marrow, where they develop antigen receptors (B cell receptors/BCRs). Upon encountering antigen, B cells differentiate into plasma cells (antibody-secreting cells) and memory B cells. [2]
| Taxonomy | ID | Name / Label | [3]
|----------|----|---------------|
| Cell Ontology (CL) | CL:0000236 | B cell |
| Database | ID | Name | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Ontology | CL:0000236 | B cell | Exact |
| Cell Ontology | CL:0000969 | regulatory B cell | Exact |
B cells present antigens to T cells via MHC class II, bridging innate and adaptive immunity.
B cells secrete regulatory cytokines including:
While primarily demyelinating, MS shares features with neurodegeneration:
| Drug | Target | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Rituximab | CD20 | Deplete B cells |
| Ocrelizumab | CD20 | MS, trials in AD |
| Belimumab | BAFF | Autoimmune |
| Abciximab | Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa | Neuroprotection |
BAFF inhibition (belimumab, tabalumab)
IL-6 receptor blockade (tocilizumab)
Costimulatory blockade
T Cells
Microglia Neuroinflammation
Adaptive Immunity
[Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis](/diseases/amyotrop- Blood-Brain Barrier)
The study of B Cells (B Lymphocytes) has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
Wang J, et al. B cells and autoantibodies in Parkinson's disease. J Neuroinflammation. 2021. 2021. ↩︎
Fiala M, et al. B cells in ALS. Neurology. 2020. 2020. ↩︎
Peluso MJ, et al. CNS humoral immunity in neurodegeneration. Trends Neurosci. 2022. 2022. ↩︎