Investigating the dietary effects on the development of age-associated B cells in models of chronic immune disease

Low-grade inflammation in the elderly results in the gradual accumulation of this age-associated B cells (ABC). But the number of ABCs are markedly accelerated in patients living with co-morbidities, such as autoimmune disease and cancer.

Unlike naïve B cells, ABCs respond poorly to primary pathogen challenge (e.g. bacteria or virus) and fail to contribute to optimal vaccine responses.

The generation and expansion of the ABC population remains unclear.

This project is designed to examine the critical features of diet and whether changes in diet, such as a high fat diet can modulate the production of ABCs.

To examine the development of ABCs in a controlled setting, we have established a unique transwell culture system that mimics inflammation observed in ageing mice and humans.

Our models of immune disease will test the hypothesis that a high fat diet contributes to the marked accumulation of ABCs which drive disease pathogenesis.

Collectively, this study will identify the critical relationship of diet, inflammation and the roles of ABCs in ageing and immune-mediated disease.