B1 cells constitute a specialized B cell lineage with remarkable properties that include spontaneous secretion of immunoglobulin, autoreactive repertoire skewing, focused memory characteristics, abnormal receptor signaling, unusual resting location, unique pathogen-related trafficking, marked stimulation of T cell expansion, induction of Th17 cell differentiation, and production of immunomodulatory IL-10. The recent identification of a human B1 cell equivalent has given new impetus to understanding the origin and mechanism of the many special features of B1 cells and the role of B1 cells in normal and abnormal operation of the immune system. A particularly exciting issue is the relationship of B1 cells to regulatory B cells and the extent to which these cell types may be one and the same. This Research Topic aims to update the field and explore the function of B1 cells in relationship to health and disease.
B1 cells constitute a specialized B cell lineage with remarkable properties that include spontaneous secretion of immunoglobulin, autoreactive repertoire skewing, focused memory characteristics, abnormal receptor signaling, unusual resting location, unique pathogen-related trafficking, marked stimulation of T cell expansion, induction of Th17 cell differentiation, and production of immunomodulatory IL-10. The recent identification of a human B1 cell equivalent has given new impetus to understanding the origin and mechanism of the many special features of B1 cells and the role of B1 cells in normal and abnormal operation of the immune system. A particularly exciting issue is the relationship of B1 cells to regulatory B cells and the extent to which these cell types may be one and the same. This Research Topic aims to update the field and explore the function of B1 cells in relationship to health and disease.