Regulatory B Cells and Allergy: Uncovering the Link

Abstract

Regulatory B (Breg) cells are recognized as immunosuppressive cells. During the last few years, several subsets of Breg cells with different phenotypes and suppressive mechanisms have been described in the literature. We review the role of Breg cells in allergy based on an extensive literature search in PubMed. We describe the types and mechanisms of action of B cells and their role in the pathogenesis of several allergic diseases (allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergy, contact hypersensitivity, and anaphylaxis). ResumenLos linfocitos reguladores del tipo B (B reg.) juegan un papel importante en el funcionamiento del sistema inmunitario. Durante los últimos años, se han descrito varios subgrupos de linfocitos B reg., con diferentes fenotipos y mecanismos supresores. Nuestro objetivo es recopilar la información existente sobre el papel de los linfocitos B reg. en Alergología, en base a una profunda investigación bibliográfica en PubMed. Describimos los tipos y mecanismos de acción de los linfocitos B y su función en la patogénesis de varias enfermedades alérgicas (asma alérgica, rinitis alérgica, alergia alimentaria, eccema de contacto y anafilaxia). Palabras clave: Linfocitos B reguladores. Alergia. Enfermedad alérgica. Tolerancia a alérgenos. B10. Br1. Asma. Alergia alimentaria. Alergia al veneno de himenópteros. Embarazo.

New treatment directions in food allergy

“…Increases in allergen-specific memory B cells (Bregs) have been observed, suggesting a potential role of these cells in tolerance. 26 Bregs have been implicated in the production of IgG4 and IL-10 27 . Further research into the mechanism underlying oral immunotherapy (OIT), sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), and epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) are needed that can guide protocols towards safer and more efficacious treatments (Figure 3).…”

A pilot study towards the immunological effects of omalizumab treatment used to facilitate oral immunotherapy in peanut‐allergic adolescents

“…Despite these promising results obtained with omalizumab‐facilitated OIT, broader effects of omalizumab treatment on the immune system remain largely unexplored. Previously, a limited number of studies reported declined B cell 15,16 and inflammatory Th2 cell frequencies 17,18 following OT, but effects on regulatory T (Tregs) and B (Bregs) cells, important for tolerance induction, 19‐23 remain currently unknown.…”

B regulatory cells in allergy

“…A recent study has identified CD9 as a marker of IL‐10‐competent Bregs in mice and in humans 133 . The CD9 + B cell subset was demonstrated to inhibit Th2‐ and Th17‐driven inflammation, increase the Treg/effector T‐cell ratio in lung tissue, 134 and induce CD3 + CD4 + CD25 − effector T cell apoptosis in mice and humans via the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway 133 …”