AUTHOR=Ohm Birte , Jungraithmayr Wolfgang 

TITLE=B Cell Immunity in Lung Transplant Rejection - Effector Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.845867

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2022.845867

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=Alloimmune graft rejection remains the major hurdle in lung transplantation despite modern immunosuppressive treatment. As part of the alloreaction process, B cells are now increasingly recognized in graft rejection as modulators of alloimmunity and initiators of a donor-specific humoral response. In chronically rejected lung allografts, B cells contribute to the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures and promote local alloimmune responses. However, B cells are functionally heterogeneous and some subsets may promote alloimmune tolerance. The aim of this review is to describe the current understanding of B-cell-dependent mechanisms in pulmonary allograft rejection and to highlight ongoing and promising future strategies employing B cell-targeted therapies.