Tolls for B cells

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Abstract
Priming of naive lymphocytes is important for yielding efficient immune responses. Mechanisms controlling this process are also important for preventing immune cells from attacking self-antigens. It is well known that signals provided by innate immune receptors, such as Toll-like receptors (TLR), are essential to induce dendritic cell maturation that subsequently allows the priming of naive T cells. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, it is shown that TLR stimulation effectively potentiates naive human B cell activation and production of antibodies in T-dependent immune responses. TLR signals can be delivered to B cells directly, or indirectly via cytokines provided by TLR-activated dendritic cells. See accompanying article http://www.dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200535744