Age-related changes of the human splenic marginal zone B cell compartment

In this review, we will summarize the growing body of knowledge on the age-related changes of human splenic B cell composition and molecular evidence of immune maturation and discuss the contribution of these changes on splenic protective function. From birth on, the splenic marginal zone (sMZ) contains a specialized B cell subpopulation, which recruits and archives memory B cells from immune responses throughout the organism. The quality of sMZ B cell responses is augmented by germinal center (GC)-dependent maturation of memory B cells during childhood, however, in old age, these mechanisms likely contribute to waning of splenic protective function.

Automated summary

In this review, the age-related changes of human splenic B cell composition and molecular evidence of immune maturation are summarized. The contribution of these changes on splenic protective function is discussed. The specialized B cell subpopulation in the splenic marginal zone (sMZ) recruits and archives memory B cells from immune responses throughout the organism. The quality of sMZ B cell responses is augmented by germinal center (GC)-dependent maturation of memory B cells during childhood, but likely contributes to waning of splenic protective function in old age.