Vaccine Durability, T-cells, B-cells and LLPCs

Table of Contents

Context

To achieve durable immunity, the generation of LLPCs, memory B-cells, and T-cells is essential.

They are a type of white blood cell that play a central role in the immune response by recognizing antigens and producing antibodies
They originate from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow.
They have two main roles:
- Memory B-Cells: Created during affinity maturation in germinal centres, they remember the antigen and respond quickly upon re-exposure.
- Plasma Cells: B-cells transform into plasma cells that secrete antibodies; some are short-lived, while others migrate to the bone marrow as LLPCs to provide durable immunity.

These are immune cells that assist in activating B-cells and ensuring a robust immune response.
They develop from precursor cells in the bone marrow and mature in the thymus
Types of T Cells:
- Helper T Cells: Activate and regulate other immune cells, including B cells and cytotoxic T cells, by producing cytokines.
- Cytotoxic T Cells: Directly kill infected or cancerous cells by recognizing specific antigens presented on their surfaces.
- Regulatory T Cells (Tregs): Help maintain immune tolerance and prevent autoimmune responses.

LLPCs are plasma cells that migrate to the bone marrow, where they produce antibodies over extended periods.
Their presence and sustained antibody production are critical for the long-term effectiveness of vaccines.