Figure 1.

(A) In TLS, naïve B cells (NB), enter the follicle to initiate a classical germinal center reaction. In the dark zone, centroblasts (CB) proliferate and acquire somatic hypermutations in their variable region. In the light zone, centrocytes (CC) are selected after their interaction with specific antigen found on the surface of follicular dendritic cells (FDCs). Lectin-BCR signaling can potentially result in enhanced selection of B cells. Failure to receive survival signals from either TF_H (T follicular helper cells) or FDCs leads to B cell apoptosis. Successful affinity maturation results in either mature B cell (MB) of plasma cells generation. GC microenvironment can control the outcome of the immune response by regulating the glycosylation profile of the antibodies. (B) TLS display a less organized anatomical structure and a predominant infiltration of MB and marginal zone B cells (MB). Aberrant production of survival and chemoattractant signals is observed at these sites.