Tissue resident memory B cells mediate protective immunity to respiratory pathogens in the airways

Abstract

Respiratory pathogens pose a significant risk to public health and are responsible for burdening health care by causing worldwide morbidity and mortality. The immune environment in the airway is critical for protection from respiratory pathogens and comprises several specialist subsets of resident lymphocytes and myeloid cells. Tissue resident-memory B cells (B_RM) are a subset of memory B cell which reside in mucosal tissues, including the airways. Although, B_RM have only recently been characterised, they have a crucial role in generating robust and localised immune responses to respiratory infections, particularly secondary responses, by rapidly differentiating into antibody-secreting cells. A greater understanding of their role in protecting the airways from respiratory pathogens will enable the development of immunisation strategies against respiratory disease. This mini-review aims to summarise the current knowledge of B_RM and highlight areas for future research.