Determining fate: Dissecting the dynamics of atypical memory B cell recruitment to protective immune responses in respiratory infection

Memory B cells (MBCs) can be found in barrier organs such as the lung, where emerging data suggest they respond rapidly to provide a first line of defence against infection challenge. A unique subset - atypical MBCs - arise following immunisation and infection; however, their fate and contribution to immune protection in vivo remains an open question. I propose that atypical MBCs are preferentially recruited to tissue-localised immune responses to provide enhanced protection against future infections. Using human vaccination studies, interventional mouse models and imaging technologies, I will answer two questions: - What is the fate and relevance of atypical MBCs in protective immune responses after vaccination? - How is this process regulated by specialised subsets of CD4 T cells? By determining the signals responsible for driving their formation, it may be possible to manipulate this subset of MBCs to improve current vaccination strategies or develop new immunotherapies to treat chronic infections.