The origin and role of human CD21low B cells in Autoimmunity, Immune Dysregulation and Infection (07)

• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: from 2013 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 215346292

The accumulation of human CD21low B cells is a hallmark of a Th1 driven chronic immune response during infection and autoimmune disorders. Project 07 could show that the different CD21low subpopulations share a common phenotype including the high expression of the transcription factor T-bet. Overexpression of SYK contributes to the defective BCR signaling which is part of this core phenotype. In vivo, the accumulation of T-bethighCD21low B cells depends on antigen stimulation and Th1-cell help. In the next funding period, the research focus will be on the transcriptional network around T-bet, the role of STAT1, local and systemic conditions conducive for the expansion of this population and resulting potential therapeutic targets.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 130: B Cells: Immunity and Autoimmunity
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Project Heads: Dr. Baerbel Keller; Professor Dr. Klaus Warnatz