With vaccines, antibody-based immunotherapy, and scientific discoveries of B cell functional mechanisms, major breakthroughs are happening surrounding B cells. This marks a field of research that is poised for exponential growth in acquisition of knowledge and effective therapies. In particular, the novel insights into B cell biology have revealed conserved aspects across disease; for example, B cells are now recognized as critical players in Tertiary Lymphoid Structures (TLS) for both cancer patient response to immunotherapy and the severity of autoimmune disease. Likewise, B regulatory cells use mechanisms to protect from autoimmunity that are common to the mode by which they fuel cancer’s progression and resistance to therapy. By examining data across disciplines, scientists are gleaning major insights that shape the forward progression of the entire field of research.

To foster the process of breakthroughs in the field of B cell research, we have established the B Cells in Cancer Consortium (BC3) to bring together this ever-growing community. Our first year has built a constituency of more than 500 scientists for our virtual seminar series, which is expected to grow given the expansive pace of immunology research driven by the global pandemic. With mRNA vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapies being hot topics now, people are more informed than ever on B cell biology.

Organizer, and Professor of Immunology in the Center of for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research at La Jolla Institute for Immunology, Dr. Shane Crotty, talks about why you should attend this meeting in the video below: