Antigen-presenting and phagocytic functions of B cell subsets

B细胞最为人所知的是它们产生抗体的能力。然而，越来越多的文献表明，它们也可能通过各种不依赖抗体的机制参与免疫反应，如细胞因子的产生、共刺激和抗原递呈。B细胞可分为三个不同的亚群：滤泡型B细胞或B2细胞、先天样边缘带B细胞(MZB)和B1B细胞。滤泡B细胞是最重要的B细胞亚群，存在于第二、三级淋巴器官的滤泡中。MZB位于脾的边缘地带，具有结合免疫复合体、向脾白髓迁移、将抗原转移到滤泡树突状细胞的能力。B1B细胞以分泌天然抗体而闻名。

B-cells are mostly known for their capacity to produce antibodies. However, an increasing body of literature has now shown that they may also participate in the immune response by various antibody-independent mechanisms, such as cytokine production, co-stimulation, and antigen presentation. B-cells can be divided in three different subpopulations: follicular B cells or B2 cells, innate-like marginal zone B-cells (MZB), and B1 B-cells. Follicular B cells are the most prominent B-cell subpopulation and reside in lymphoid follicles of secondary and tertiary lymphoid organs. MZB are located in the marginal zone of the spleen and are endowed with the capacity to bind immune complexes, migrate towards the splenic white pulp, and transfer antigen to follicular dendritic cells. B1 B-cells are known for their secretion of natural antibodies.