Remembering the past and predicting the future: detection of memory B cells provide clues to both
B cells are an
essential part of our adaptive immune system and are responsible for the
production of antibodies. These Y-shaped molecules can specifically recognize
foreign invaders (e.g. SARS-CoV-2) and prevent their entry into the body.
Shortly after infection or vaccination, B cells with the appropriate
specificity become activated and can rapidly produce large quantities of
antibodies directed against the offending agent. However, over time the levels
of specific antibodies in the body can drop below protective levels.
Fortunately, some of the B cells become long-lived memory cells and can rapidly
be reawakened to produce protective antibodies once more, even against newer
versions of virus.
In a fascinating lecture, Professor Greg Kirchenbaum will discuss his current research focusing on the detection of such specific
memory B cells in the blood using a technique called ImmunoSpot. He will explain how detection of
memory B cells using the ImmunoSpot technique promises to offer insights that
measurements of antibody levels in blood cannot.
About the Speaker
Professor Greg
Kirchenbaum is Director of B cell Research, Cellular Technology Ltd, Cleveland,
Ohio, USA. He received his BSc honours from Florida
State University in Biology and went on to the prestigious Immunology
Department at the University of Colorado to work on his PhD in the area of B
cell tolerance with Lawrence Wysocki. Post-doctoral fellowships
at the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute of
Florida, and Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, followed, where he worked with Ted Ross.
In 2018 Professor Kirchenbaum joined Cellular Technology Ltd (CTL) in Cleveland, Ohio, to work with Professor Paul V. Lehmann MD/PhD, where he is now Director of B cell research. He
has been instrumental in developing the B cell ImmunoSpot assay platform at
CTL. B cell and antibody responses have been a constant theme in his career, and he has over 40 publications in prestigious journals and given
numerous keynote presentations. He has a close collaboration with Professor
Stephen Todryk at Northumbria University, where they co-supervise a PhD
student.
