Cross-talk between T and B Cells in the Germinal Center following Transplantation.

Cross-talk between B and T cells in transplantation is increasingly recognized as being important in the alloimmune response. T cell activation of B cells occurs by a 3-stage pathway, culminating with costimulation signals. We review the distinct T cell subtypes required for B cell activation, and discuss the formation of the Germinal Center (GC) after transplantation, with particular reference to the repopulation of the GC following depletional induction, and the subsequent effect of immunosuppressive manipulation of T-B cell interactions. Additionally, ectopic GCs are seen in transplantation, but their role is not fully understood. Therapeutic options to target T-B cell interactions are of considerable interest, both as immunosuppressive tools, and to aid further understanding of these important alloimmune mechanisms. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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