IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-Leveraging extrafollicular B cells for the treatment of solid tumors

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The talk focused on the role of B cells in cancer, especially within the tumor immune microenvironment of head and neck cancer. The speaker compared organized tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) with diffuse immune infiltration and argued that B cells can support tumor control through antigen presentation, antibody production, and cytokine/chemokine signaling. The main focus was on memory B cells, including germinal center–derived and extra-follicular subsets. In HPV-positive tumors, B cells were more organized into TLS-like structures, while HPV-negative tumors showed less organization. Extra-follicular B cells, especially CD27−CXCR5− double-negative 2 cells, often expressed inhibitory receptors like PD-1 and Fcrl5, showed reduced BCR signaling, lower proliferation, and less antibody production, suggesting exhaustion-like behavior. Fcrl5-positive B cells were found outside follicles and associated with antigen-presenting phenotypes and better local tumor control. The speaker also explored whether targeting Fcrl5 could restore B-cell activity, with results depending on tumor type and initial stimulation.

Meta Tag

Date April 16, 2026 5:30 PM - 5:45 PM

Room 205

Session Immune Checkpoints and Beyond I

Speaker Allison Casey

Track Tumor Immunology: Checkpoints, Prevention, And Treatment (TIPT)

Year 2026

Keywords

B cells

head and neck cancer

tertiary lymphoid structures

memory B cells

Fcrl5

April 16, 2026 5:30 PM - 5:45 PM

205

Immune Checkpoints and Beyond I

Allison Casey

Tumor Immunology: Checkpoints, Prevention, And Treatment (TIPT)

2026