Kurzfassung

B cells have two major functions: they are the source of antibodies and can activate antigen-specific T cells via their MHC molecules, and therefore serve as potent antigen-presenting cells (APC). To distinguish between these functions of B cells in combating infections, we have set up new mouse transgenic systems, and we plan to infect them with intra-cellular pathogens and with viruses. Mice, which have B cells but no antibodies in sera, serve to elucidate the role of B cells as APC. In...B cells have two major functions: they are the source of antibodies and can activate antigen-specific T cells via their MHC molecules, and therefore serve as potent antigen-presenting cells (APC). To distinguish between these functions of B cells in combating infections, we have set up new mouse transgenic systems, and we plan to infect them with intra-cellular pathogens and with viruses. Mice, which have B cells but no antibodies in sera, serve to elucidate the role of B cells as APC. In addition, we will use a new system that allows efficient depletion of B or T cells to test the role of different lymphocytes in the acute and latent phases of infections.» weiterlesen» einklappen