B-cell lineage

The B-cell lineage encompasses the developmental stages of B lymphocytes, from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow to mature plasma cells and memory B cells. These cells are central to the adaptive immune system, primarily responsible for the production of antigen-specific antibodies and providing long-term humoral immunity. In various pathological states, the B-cell lineage can undergo malignant transformation, leading to leukemias and lymphomas, or contribute to autoimmunity through the production of autoantibodies and pro-inflammatory cytokines. While the lineage itself is a cellular category rather than a single molecular target, specific surface antigens expressed throughout its development—such as CD19, CD20, and BCMA—serve as critical therapeutic targets for monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and CAR-T cell therapies.

Other names

B-cell populationB-lymphocyte lineageB-cell seriesB-cell compartment

Therapeutic strategies focus on B-cell depletion via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), or direct induction of apoptosis; inhibition of B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathways; and CAR-T cell-mediated lysis of cells expressing lineage-specific surface markers.