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Double-edge Role of B Cells in Tumor Immunity: Potential Molecular Mechanism

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Summary

B cells are a heterogeneous population, which have distinct functions of antigen presentation, activating T cells, and secreting antibodies, cytokines as well as protease. It is supposed that the balance among these B cells subpopulation (resting B cells, activated B cells, Bregs, and other differentiated B cells) will determine the ultimate role of B cells in tumor immunity. There has been increasing evidence supporting opposite roles of B cells in tumor immunity, though there are no general acceptable phenotypes for them. Recent years, a new designated subset of B cells identified as Bregs has emerged from immunosuppressive and/or regulatory functions in tumor immune responses. Therefore, transferring activated B cells would be possible to become a promising strategy against tumor via conquering the immunosuppressive status of B cells in future. Understanding the potential mechanism of double-edge role of B cells will help researchers utilize activated B cells to improve their anti-tumor response. Moreover, the molecular pathways related to B cell differentiation are involved in its tumor-promoting effect, such as NF-κB, STAT3, BTK. So, we review the molecular and signaling pathway mechanisms of B cells involved in both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressive immunity, in order to help researchers optimize B cells to fight cancer better.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China

    Kai-liang Zhao, Xiao-jia Yang, Hong-zhong Jin & Liang Zhao

  2. Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China

    Jian-li Hu

  3. Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361001, China

    Wen-juan Qin

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  1. Kai-liang Zhao
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  2. Xiao-jia Yang
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  4. Liang Zhao
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  5. Jian-li Hu
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Correspondence to Jian-li Hu or Wen-juan Qin.

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The authors declare there is no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

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Zhao, Kl., Yang, Xj., Jin, Hz. et al. Double-edge Role of B Cells in Tumor Immunity: Potential Molecular Mechanism. CURR MED SCI 39, 685–689 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11596-019-2092-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11596-019-2092-5

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