Work

B cell responses to CD40 stimulation ignite anti-tumor immunity by activating CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: B cell responses to cancer are critical to patient survival and response to therapy. Yet, the knowledge as to how B cells can elicit anti-tumor immunity remains incomplete. We identify that CD40 pathway activation in B cells in the presence of high tumor mutation burdens activates an anti-tumor B cell response. Significantly, our study shows that CD40-stimulated B cells drive tumor infiltration, organization, and activation of cytotoxic function in CD8 + T cells. These results provide key advances in the mechanistic regulation and function of B cell and CD8 + T cell responses to cancer.

Source: Cell Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2026.117957

Authors: Kendrick Nguyen, Monika Quackenbush, Sara Basbous, Haley Rodriguez, Georgia Lattanzi, Elsie Quansah, Chynna Bowman, Sammy Weiser Novak, Daniela Boassa, Jingting Yu, Taylor Ozbun, Asona Lui, Aatish Thennavan, Peter Watson, April Wehner, Daniel Hollern

Institutions: Salk Institute for Biological Studies, University of California San Diego, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, BC Cancer – Victoria

Language: English

Topic: Immunotherapy and Immune Responses

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $5,620

Funders: California Breast Cancer Research Program, Waitt Foundation, Susan G. Komen, Newman Family Foundation, METAvivor, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, National Institute on Aging, National Cancer Institute

Awards: San Diego Nathan Shock Center, G9000369804, G9000371738, Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG)

OpenAlex ID: W7212172114

FWCI:

Cites: 147

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Related to: 10