Multifaceted function of B cells in tumorigenesis.
10.1007/s11684-025-1127-5
- Author:
Na KANG
1
;
Qinghui DUAN
1
;
Xin MIN
1
;
Tong LI
1
;
Yuxin LI
1
;
Ji GAO
1
;
Wanli LIU
2
Author Information
1. State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Institute for Immunology, China Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
2. State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Institute for Immunology, China Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China. liulab@tsinghua.edu.cn.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
B cell-targeted immunotherapy;
B cells;
anti-tumor;
pro-tumor
- MeSH:
Humans;
B-Lymphocytes/immunology*;
Neoplasms/therapy*;
Carcinogenesis/immunology*;
Immunotherapy/methods*;
Animals
- From:
Frontiers of Medicine
2025;19(2):297-317
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
B lymphocytes (B cells) play a complex and paradoxical role in tumorigenesis. They can recognize tumor-associated antigens, present these antigens to T cells, and produce antibodies that directly target and eliminate tumor cells. This makes B cells a potentially powerful ally in combating cancer. However, B cells also exhibit immunosuppressive functions, secreting cytokines like IL-10 or generating tumor-promoting antibodies that dampen the anti-tumor immune response, and some tumor cells have even been shown to exploit B cells to promote their growth and metastasis. This dual nature of B cells presents both opportunities and challenges for tumor immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying the multifaceted functions of B cells and their current applications in cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, we also explore the key issues and future directions in this field, emphasizing the need for further research to fully harness the anti-tumor potential of B cells in the fight against cancer.
