Characterization of in vitro Stimulated B Cells from Human Subjects

During the human B cell (Bc) recall response, rapid cell division results in multiple Bc subpopulations. RNA microarray and functional analyses showed that proliferating CD27lo cells are a transient pre-plasmablast population, expressing genes associated with Bc receptor editing. Undivided cells had an active transcriptional program of non-ASC B cell functions, including cytokine secretion and costimulation, suggesting a link between innate and adaptive Bc responses. Transcriptome analysis suggested a gene regulatory network for CD27lo and CD27hi Bc differentiation.