A Network Model to Describe the Terminal Differentiation of B Cells
Fig 1
Terminal B cell differentiation.
Precursor Naive B cells can differentiate into three possible cell types depending on proper molecular stimuli. Cytokines secreted by T-helper cells play a central role in the determination of B cell fate. IL-2 and IL-4 are required for the transition of Naive to GC cells. Direct contact of B cells with T cells by means of the CD40L receptor promote the differentiation of Naive or GC cells toward the Mem cell type. Antigen (Ag) activation drives terminal differentiation toward the PC cells, a process that is favored by the presence of IL-21.