Germinal Centers

Germinal centers (GCs) are microanatomical sites of B cell clonal expansion and antibody affinity maturation. Therein, B cells undergo the Darwinian process of somatic diversification and affinity-driven selection of immunoglobulins that produces the high-affinity antibodies essential for effective humoral immunity. Here, we review recent developments in the field of GC biology, primarily as it pertains to GCs induced by infection or immunization. First, we summarize the phenotype and function of the different cell types that compose the GC, focusing on GC B cells. Then, we review the cellular and molecular bases of affinity-dependent selection within the GC and the export of memory and plasma cells. Finally, we present an overview of the emerging field of GC clonal dynamics, focusing on how GC and post-GC selection shapes the diversity of antibodies secreted into serum.

Automated summary

This paper reviews recent developments in the field of germinal center (GC) biology, specifically in GCs induced by infection or immunization. It summarizes the phenotype and function of different cell types in the GC, focusing on GC B cells. It also examines the cellular and molecular basis of affinity-dependent selection within the GC and the export of memory and plasma cells. Additionally, it provides an overview of the emerging field of GC clonal dynamics and its impact on the diversity of antibodies secreted into serum.