Precursor Frequency and Affinity Determine B Cell Competitive Fitness in Germinal Centers, Tested with Germline-Targeting HIV Vaccine Immunogens

It is not clear how precursor frequencies and antigen affinities impact interclonal B cell competition. Abbott et al. show these parameters interdependently limit germinal center B cell fitness. When these variables are matched to the human physiological range, HIV bnAb precursor B cells compete in germinal centers, undergo extensive mutation, and form memory.

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