Chemokines and receptors in intestinal B lymphocytes.

ABSTRACT

Recent studies indicate that chemoattractant cytokines (chemokines) and their receptors modulate intestinal B lymphocytes in different ways, including regulating their maturity and differentiation in the bone marrow and homing to intestinal target tissues. Here, we review several important chemokine/chemokine receptor axes that guide intestinal B cells, focusing on the homing and migration of IgA antibody-secreting cells (IgA-ASCs) to intestinal-associated lymphoid tissues. We describe the selective regulation of these chemokine axes in coordinating the IgA-ASC trafficking in intestinal diseases. Finally, we discuss the role of B cells as chemokine producers serving dual roles in regulating the mucosal immune microenvironment.