The study of B cells and antibodies in Japan: a historical perspective.

Japanese scientists were involved in pioneering work on therapeutic antisera and have made huge contributions to the characterization of the antibody molecules that are responsible for this and many other biological activities, as well as working back to understand the B cells that produce these Igs. This review emphasizes the role of Japanese immunologists in this field, starting with their work in developing antisera and studying the structure of Igs. It describes the molecular mechanisms that generate the enormous antibody repertoire and regulate B-cell development and signaling. It also details the importance of the germinal center in generating B-cell memory and the terminal differentiation of B cells as antibody-secreting plasma cells.