Germinal centers: form and function

Curr Opin Immunol. 1998 Jun;10(3):245-51. doi: 10.1016/s0952-7915(98)80161-1.

Abstract

Our understanding of the formation of germinal centers has advanced considerably during the past year. Highlights include the elucidation of the role of cytokines and chemokines in splenic organization and lymphocyte migration and their roles in germinal center development. The functional consequences of recombination-activating gene re-expression in the germinal center have also been reported, as have in vitro models of somatic mutation. Finally the resolution of the germinal center reaction is being addressed by analysis of the individual cell types produced.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • Cell Movement
  • Cytokines / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Germinal Center / immunology*
  • Germinal Center / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Lymphoid Tissue / anatomy & histology
  • Lymphoid Tissue / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mutation
  • Receptors, Chemokine / physiology
  • Receptors, Complement / physiology
  • Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing / physiology
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Receptors, Chemokine
  • Receptors, Complement
  • Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing