Competing gene regulatory networks drive naive and memory B cell differentiation (opens in new tab)

Elucidating the gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that control human B cell differentiation is crucial for understanding immune responses to infection, vaccination, and autoimmunity. Here, we map the GRNs guiding naive and memory B cell differentiation. Early in activation, both cell types engage highly similar GRNs. However, at later stages, naive B cells diverge into two opposing GRNs that promote differentiation into either plasma cells or germinal center (GC) cells. In contrast, memory B ce...