Fig. 1.

Model. Systemic inflammation (TNF-α) increases with age. This occurs concomitantly or is a consequence of the increase in other markers of inflammation [CRP, CMV, heat shock proteins (HSPs)] and increase in microbial translocation from the intestine and in fat. Stress can also induce high systemic TNF-α. Systemic TNF-α induces TNF-α production by B cells. The levels of TNF-α in B cells before stimulation regulate their capacity to be optimally stimulated by antigens/mitogens to up-regulate AID, undergo CSR and produce secondary switched antibodies will include studies in breast cancer patients to measure the quality of their B cell function and response to vaccines as a function of psychosocial intervention along with the markers and pathways above.