Function of glycans in B cell affinity maturation

Germinal Centers (GC) are the central hubs where B cells fine-tune the affinity of their B cell receptor (BCR, membrane bound antibody). This affinity maturation is crucial for effective antibody responses as well as memory formation. It has long been known that activated GC stain positive with peanut agglutinin (PNA), while inactive follicles do not. Additionally, Solanum tuberosum agglutinin (STA) stains cellular subsets in the activated GC as well. Agglutinins bind specific sugar groups, such as sialic acids and other glycans.

These sugar groups specifically change during active GC formation and glycans are known to signal in immune responses. This project will focus on the effect of sugar groups on adaptive immunity. This has the potential to modify adaptive immune responses, which can have an impact on vaccine design, allergic responses and malignancies of the B cell follicle.

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Martijn Breeuwsma