Immune challenges trigger the development of B-cell responses, leading to the production of high-affinity antibodies that promote pathogen elimination and protective immunity. These responses typically take place in secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs), but can also arise ectopically within tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) under pathological conditions such as cancer.
B-cell responses are tightly regulated over time by multiple mechanisms, including antigen persistence and cellular activation. We have explored the role of a specific stromal cell population, follicular dendritic cells, in supporting B-cell activation upon vaccination, as well as the effects of novel cancer immunotherapies, such as 4-1BB agonists, on the regulation of B-cell responses in SLOs and TLSs. This work provides key insights for guiding the design of future vaccines and combinatorial cancer therapies.
We are currently exploring in greater depth the function and development of TLS-associated B-cell responses in lung cancer, where their presence is associated with improved patient outcomes.