Purchase this database of 8 companies working with engineered B-cells
A B-lymphocyte or B-cell is a type of white blood cell that operates as an integral part of the adaptive immune system. It is categorized as an antigen presenting cells (APCs), due to the inherent effector mechanisms associated with the B-cell’s response to binding antigens from pathogens or cancer cells. B-cells are known to differentiate into plasma cells after binding to an antigen, after which the B-cells excrete antibodies towards this antigen. These antibodies mediate the activation of antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) from CD16+ cells like NK-cells, gamma delta T-cells, macrophages etc. It also activates the complement pathway.
Another important mechanism of the B-cell is its inherent mechanism for presenting antigens through major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I and MHC II. This adaptive function helps to activate not only CD8+ T-cells but also CD4+ helper T-cells which are then honed to the specific tumor cells after which the tumor tissue is destroyed[1].
While T-cells constitute the most frequently genetically engineered immune cell, e.g. with modified T-cell receptors (TCRs) or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), companies are starting to expand into the field of engineered B-cells. These engineered B-cell companies develop genetically customized B-cells that secrete select therapeutic proteins with enhanced effector mechanisms in specific tissues, utilizing the B-cells inherent effector functions. Utilizing this, companies are able to manufacture and sustain effective therapeutic responses in vivo, such as an anti-tumor response[2].
At Stargazing Bio Research, we have created a database of companies working on engineered B-cells, detailing their technological angles and providing you with an overview of this growing field of biotech.