Abstract
The mechanism underlying the immunological memory induced by vaccines is not fully understood yet. Long lived plasma cells are generated in infants following an infection and are typically located in the bone marrow. Toll like receptors are essential for pathogen recognition, are expressed by T and B cells, and mediate the maturation of dendritic cells. Defects in expression of Toll Like Receptors are associated with susceptibility to infections. TLR9 is able to recognise the CpG motif in bacterial DNA and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides can be used to stimulate TLR9. TLR9 and CpG represent useful tools for exploring the size, specificity and function of the memory B cell pool induced by vaccination and antigen exposure. Through this mean we will be able to develop new sensitive methods to measure duration of protection against specific infections over time and consequently adjust immunisation schedules.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Paediatrics and Child Health |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | SUPPL. 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2009 |
Keywords
- B-lymphocyte
- immunological memory
- toll like receptors
- vaccines
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health