The role of the epigenetic modifier MLL1 in producing an effective and tailored B cell response to the pathogen-influenced microenvironment

Diseases caused by infections, such as helminth infections or viral infections, pose a major human health problem worldwide. In particular, one key reason why helminths cause long-term health and economic burdens is that there is currently no effective targeted vaccine for human use. B cell responses – resulting in the production of antibody – underpin most successful vaccine designs. This thesis uncovered MLL1 as a novel regulator of B cell responses to different pathogens, and opened up new avenues of investigation into understanding how effective and tailored antibody responses may be produced in response to viral infectious disease or helminth infection.