Files
Abstract
Central tolerance removes many self‑reactive lymphocytes during development, yet some autoreactive cells escape to the periphery, requiring additional mechanisms to prevent autoimmunity. Transitional B cells encountering self‑antigen typically undergo anergy and apoptosis, while mature T cells may become anergic, apoptotic, or differentiate into regulatory T cells. This study investigates the contribution of transitional and mature B cell subsets to peripheral T cell tolerance. Using an in vivo model, we show that both transitional and mature follicular B cells can induce antigen‑specific T cell anergy. In vitro studies further assess their ability to convert naïve T cells into regulatory T cells. Together, these findings support a role for specific B cell subsets in promoting peripheral T cell tolerance.