Antibody-independent functions of B cells: a focus on cytokines
Abstract
Cytokine production by B cells is important for multiple aspects of immunity. B cell-derived cytokines, including lymphotoxin, are essential for the ontogenesis, homeostasis and activation of secondary lymphoid organs, as well as for the development of tertiary lymphoid tissues at ectopic sites. Other B cell-derived cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor, influence the development of effector and memory CD4(+) T cell responses. Finally, B cells can regulate inflammatory immune responses, primarily through their provision of IL-10 and IL-35. This Review summarizes these various roles of cytokine-producing B cells in immunity and discusses the rational for targeting these cells in the clinic.
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B cells produce cytokines and contribute to T cell activation through antigen presentation, which can shape overall immune responses.
“In addition, B cells produce cytokines and contribute to T cell activation through antigen presentation which can shape the overall immune responses [41,42].”
From Is there a role for B cells in Alzheimer's disease? (2026) · cites this paper as [41]
B cells are a crucial component of the adaptive immune system, responsible for producing antibodies and providing defense against infectious agents.
“B cells are a crucial component of the adaptive immune system, responsible for producing antibodies, providing an important line of defense against infectious agents.”
From Is there a role for B cells in Alzheimer's disease? (2026) · cites this paper as [41]
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Guidelines for the use of flow cytometry and cell sorting in immunological studies (third edition)
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Is there a role for B cells in Alzheimer's disease?
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Self-citation
- Authors
- Shen, P., & Fillatreau, S.
- Affiliations
- German Rheumatism Research Centre (DE)
- Corresponding author
- Fillatreau, Simon
- Venue
- Nature Reviews Immunology
- Published
- 2015-06-12
- Volume
- 15
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 441-451
- ISSN
- 1474-1733 (ISSN-L)
- 1474-1741
- OpenAlex
- W1831873206
- Cited by
- 508
- References
- 5
- Citations by year
- 2026: 34 · 2025: 45 · 2024: 54 · 2023: 51 · 2022: 57 · 2021: 54 · 2020: 45 · 2019: 52 · 2018: 34 · 2017: 44 · 2016: 28 · 2015: 9 · 2013: 1
- FWCI
- 3.61
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
- Locations
- Nature reviews. Immunology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Immunology › T-cell and B-cell Immunology
- Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Immunology › Immune Response and Inflammation
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cytokine Signaling Pathways and Interactions
- Keywords
- B cells, lymphotoxin, tertiary lymphoid tissue, interleukin-6, interferon-gamma, TNF-α, CD4+ T cell responses, IL-10, IL-35, immunosuppression, inflammation, infection immunity
- MeSH terms
- Animals, B-Lymphocytes, Humans, Immune System, Immunity, Cytokines
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