B lymphocytes form an integral part of the immune system via the production of specific antibodies and by establishing immunological memory enabling a swift an effective response to pathogenic assault. To fully understand the processes whereby this is achieved, it is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events involved in B cell activation and antibody production. This is initiated by the encounter with and acquisition of cognate antigen by the B cell receptor (BCR); processes occurring primarily in secondary lymph nodes (SLOs) such as the lymph node (LN) and which are regulated by complex systems. The functionality of these systems is strictly dependent on maintaining the architecture of the SLOs. During this talk I will describe how the LN structure enables the early encounter of B cells with antigen. Antigenic properties such as the size and nature of the pathogen affect the specialized lymph node antigen delivery systems that exist in readiness to deliver pathogen-derived antigen to B cells. This variability in the types of encounter enables the most appropriate response for that particular antigen to occur, giving the maximal protection to the host. Lastly, the consequences of the disruption of the LN architecture on the immune response will also be described. Its critical role in the immune response is evident following infection, which causes a temporary disruption in the cellular organization of lymphoid organs leading to a reduction in immune responses against subsequent challenge until such time as the LN architecture is restored.
CROI Conference
