B-cells, crucial components of the adaptive immune system, play a multifaceted role in immune defense through antibody production, cytokine release, and antigen presentation to T-cells. By producing antibodies, B-cells directly neutralize pathogens, while their cytokine release helps regulate and coordinate immune responses. Furthermore, B-cells present antigens to T-cells, facilitating the activation of these cells and initiating a broader, more robust immune response. Techniques such as genome editing and monoclonal antibody production are employed to either correct dysfunctional B-cell responses or enhance their beneficial activities.

In the context of malignant diseases, such as various cancers, B-cell engineering focuses on enhancing the ability of these cells to specifically target and eliminate tumor cells. Conversely, for non-malignant conditions, B-cell engineering aims to modulate B-cell functions to improve disease management. This includes addressing autoimmune disorders, allergies and infections.

These advancements hold the promise of delivering more precise and effective treatments across a diverse range of medical conditions, improving patient outcomes and offering new therapeutic avenues.

The goal of this research topic is to gather, analyze, and present the latest advancements in B-cell engineering and its applications in both malignant and non-malignant diseases. B-cell engineering, an innovative and rapidly advancing field, has emerged as a powerful tool for modulating B-cell functions. Recent seminal studies have introduced genome-engineering techniques that reprogram B-cell specificity to target pathogens in infectious diseases. Innovations in vector design and pseudo typing have significantly improved B-cell transduction efficiency, while novel in vivo delivery methods offer new ways to modify B-cells directly within the body.

When differentiated into antibody-producing plasma cells, engineered B-cells can be optimized to produce highly specific or high-affinity antibodies and serve as potent protein-producing machines. Additionally, their ability to present antigens allows them to be harnessed as vaccine platforms, applicable in both malignant and non-malignant contexts. In oncology, engineering techniques can direct B-cells to target tumor antigens within the tumor microenvironment or to express chimeric receptors, such as Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-B cells.

This research topic aims to compile both recent research articles and review papers focusing on the latest discoveries and developments in B-cell engineering, addressing applications in malignant diseases (e.g., hematological and solid tumors) as well as non-malignant diseases (e.g., infections and autoimmunity). By consolidating these updates, we aim to provide a comprehensive resource that enhances understanding of B-cell engineering’s potential across diverse disease contexts.

This Research Topic welcomes submission of Original Research Articles, Reviews, Mini Reviews, Methods, Perspective and Brief Research Report. Topics that will be considered for publication include, but are not limited to:

• B-cells genome editing (CRISPR/Cas, mRNA, etc)

• B-cell transduction (AAV, lentivirus, retrovirus)

• In vivo genome editing of B-cells (LNPs, in vivo transduction)

• Antibody engineering

• B-cell based Immunotherapy

• Engineered B-cells in Infection diseases

• Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-B cells

• B-cell based vaccines

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Frontiers in Immunology

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