| Popis: |
Selection of B cells in germinal center (GC) reactions is pivotal to the generation of high affinity antibodies and memory B cells. Knowledge about B cell selection is limited and lacks global understanding. Here, we use current knowledge on molecular pathways of GC B cells to develop a theory of GC B cell selection and division based on the dynamics of molecular factors. Seemingly contradictory experiments are unified in a common concept by the separation of signals for B cell fate decision from signals controlling the number of B cell divisions. This novel concept of information processing in GCs replaces the conviction that the strength of a Tfh signals alone would control selection and subsequent division of B cells. Three versions of theories of B cell selection based on the concept of signal separation are proposed and experiments are predicted that allow to distinguish those. Understanding the encoding of information in molecular B cell states is critical for targeted immune interventions and the proposed theory implies that selection and division can be controlled independently in GC reactions. |
