Long-lived CD19-positive plasma cells

University Of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The signals and events required for maintaining serum antibodies to foreign and self- antigens remain poorly defined. The main goals of this application are to evaluate the role of recently formed antibody secreting plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM) in these processes, and to define the cytokines that recently formed and long-lived plasma cells employ to avoid cell death. To achieve these objectives we will: 1) Define the role of newly formed BM PCs in long-lived antibody-mediated immunity; 2) Define the role of newly formed and long-lived BM PCs in antibody-mediated autoimmunity; and 3) Define the roles of IL-5 and BAFF family cytokines in the maintenance of TI antigen-induced PCs. These studies will enhance knowledge of the processes underlying formation and maintenance of long-lived antibody responses to both non-self and self-antigens, and consequently inform strategies to optimize vaccination strategies and combat antibody mediated autoimmune disease.