IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-Antigen presenting B cells direct TfH localization during M. tuberculosis infection

Antigen presenting B cells direct TfH localization during M. tuberculosis infection

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker described how tuberculosis exists on a spectrum from latent infection to active pulmonary disease, and how their lab studies immune differences in the lung across that range. They found that latent TB is associated with organized lymphoid structures, including B-cell follicles and T follicular helper cells, while active TB is linked more to myeloid cells and inflammation. In mouse and macaque models, protection depended on B cells interacting with T cells, especially through PD-L1/PD-1 signaling, which helps anchor T follicular helper cells in lung follicles. Surprisingly, many typical B-cell functions were not individually required; the key seemed to be antigen-specific B cells supporting this structure. The talk then shifted to vaccine work: an intranasal mucosal booster added to BCG in macaques induced these protective lung follicles, reduced disease, and improved control of TB after challenge.

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Date April 16, 2026 9:45 AM - 11:15 AM

Room 151

Session Underappreciated Functions of B Cells in Cytokine Production and Antigen Presentation, Sponsored by NIAID, NIH

Speaker Shabaana Khader

Track Lymphocyte Differentiation and Peripheral Maintenance (LYM)

Year 2026

Keywords

tuberculosis

latent TB

B-cell follicles

T follicular helper cells

mucosal vaccine booster

April 16, 2026 9:45 AM - 11:15 AM

151

Underappreciated Functions of B Cells in Cytokine Production and Antigen Presentation, Sponsored by NIAID, NIH

Shabaana Khader

Lymphocyte Differentiation and Peripheral Maintenance (LYM)

2026