The emerging roles and therapeutic potential of B cells in sepsis

Abstract

Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome caused by anomalous host response to infection. The pathogenesis of sepsis is complex, and immune dysfunction is the central link in its occurrence and development. The sepsis immune response is not a local and transient process but a complex and continuous process involving all major cell types of innate and adaptive immunity. B cells are traditionally studied for their ability to produce antibodies in the context of mediating humoral immunity. However, over the past few years, B cells have been increasingly recognized as key modulators of adaptive and innate immunity, and they can participate in immune responses by presenting antigens, producing cytokines, and modulating other immune cells. Recently, increasing evidence links B-cell dysfunction to mechanisms of immune derangement in sepsis, which has drawn attention to the powerful properties of this unique immune cell type in sepsis. Here, we reviewed the dynamic alterations of B cells and their novel roles in animal models and patients with sepsis, and provided new perspectives for therapeutic strategies targeting B cells in sepsis.

Optimal strategy for treatment of sepsis based on the host inflammatory reaction and immune response

“…Several studies have suggested that regulatory B-cell numbers are significantly increased in patients with sepsis; this aggravates immunosuppression owing to the secretion of IL-10 and IL-35. [22] …”

Insights into the Roles of B Cells in Patients with Sepsis

“…Naïve B cells can be divided into two groups: B1 and B2 cells ( Figure 1 ). The former consists of B-1a and B-1b subsets, and the latter consists of marginal zone (MZ) and follicular (FO) B cells [ 29 ]. Mature B cells migrate to peripheral lymphoid tissue and can become active when encountering homologous antigens in a sepsis setting.…”

Intrinsic/extrinsic apoptosis and pyroptosis contribute to the selective depletion of B cell subsets in septic shock patients

“…B lymphocytes are multifunctional immune cells that play an important role in both the adaptive and innate immune response, which is of great importance for preventing sepsis (8)(9)(10). However, sepsis results in a massive depletion of B cells, which exacerbates immunosuppression and is closely associated with poor prognosis (11)(12)(13)(14). Studies have indicated that B cell depletion is associated with apoptosis and different B cell subsets may be different in their sensitivity to apoptosis.…”