IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-Role of IL-27-producing B cells in the antibody response and anti-viral immunity

Role of IL-27-producing B cells in the antibody response and anti-viral immunity

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Video Summary

The speaker described a specialized subset of regulatory B cells, called P27 cells, that are induced by infection or defined stimulation such as LPS plus CD40 signaling. Unlike antibody-secreting B cells, these cells express many surface and secreted ligands, especially the cytokine subunit P28 (part of IL-27), and are marked by BATF3. P27 cells are found in infected tissues and tertiary lymphoid structures, are largely distinct from B10 cells, and show reduced antibody-production programs while expressing many regulatory genes. Functional studies showed that loss of P27 cells, P28/EBI3, or the P27 receptor impairs antiviral immunity, lowers virus-specific IgG2a, and worsens lung immunopathology. Interferon-gamma signaling works synergistically with P27 signaling to promote optimal germinal center responses. BATF3 was identified as a key transcription factor controlling P28 induction and P27 cell biogenesis. Overall, P27 cells appear to be conserved immune regulators that help optimize B-cell responses during infection.

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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 Zhenming Xu

Track Lymphocyte Differentiation and Peripheral Maintenance (LYM)

Year 2026

Keywords

P27 cells

regulatory B cells

IL-27 signaling

BATF3 transcription factor

antiviral immunity

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

Zhenming Xu

Lymphocyte Differentiation and Peripheral Maintenance (LYM)

2026