Abstract:
Abstract: Equivalent to regulatory T cells, a novel B cell populace, called regulatory B cells
(Bregs), has been found to exert a negative immune regulatory role. These subsets of cells
account for 0.5% of human B cells from the periphery that expand after activation upon
certain stimuli depending on the nature of the microenvironment and provide a variety of
Breg cell phenotypes. The increasing number of suppressive mechanisms attributed to Bregs
suggests that these immune cells play many roles in immune regulation. Bregs have been
confirmed to play a role in host defense mechanisms of healthy individuals as well as they
play pathologic and protective roles in diseases or other conditions. Accumulating evidence
reported that Bregs have a role in autoimmune and infectious diseases to lower inflammation,
and in cancer to attenuate antitumor immune responses, thereby to promote cancer growth
and metastasis. More recently, Bregs are also found to be involved in conditions like
transplantation for transplant tolerance, during pregnancy to create an immune-privileged
uterine environment and during early neonate life. Herein, the review summarizes recent
findings aimed to provide understanding on the Breg cells, in the hope to gain insight on the
general overview, development, mechanism of activation, and action of Bregs as well as their
potential roles in health and diseases.
