RAG2:GFP knockin mice reveal novel aspects of RAG2 expression in primary and peripheral lymphoid tissues

CD4+ T cell memory is impaired by species-specific cytotoxic differentiation, but not by TCF-1 loss

CD4⁺ T cells are typically considered as 'helper' or 'regulatory' populations that support and orchestrate the responses of other lymphocytes. However, they can also develop potent granzyme (Gzm)-mediated cytotoxic activity and CD4⁺ cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) have been amply documented both in humans and in mice, particularly in the context of human chronic infection and cancer. Despite the established description of CD4⁺ CTLs, as well as of the critical cytotoxic activity they exert against MHC class II-expressing targets, their developmental and memory maintenance requirements remain elusive. This is at least in part owing to the lack of a murine experimental system where CD4⁺ CTLs are stably induced. Here, we show that viral and bacterial vectors encoding the same epitope induce distinct CD4⁺ CTL responses in challenged mice, all of which are nevertheless transient in nature and lack recall properties. Consistent with prior reports, CD4⁺ CTL differentiation is accompanied by loss of TCF-1 expression, a transcription factor considered essential for memory T cell survival. Using genetic ablation of Tcf7, which encodes TCF-1, at the time of CD4⁺ T cell activation, we further show that, contrary to observations in CD8⁺ T cells, continued expression of TCF-1 is not required for CD4⁺ T cell memory survival. Whilst Tcf7-deficient CD4⁺ T cells persisted normally following retroviral infection, the CD4⁺ CTL subset still declined, precluding conclusive determination of the requirement for TCF-1 for murine CD4⁺ CTL survival. Using xenotransplantation of human CD4⁺ T cells into murine recipients, we demonstrate that human CD4⁺ CTLs develop and persist in the same experimental conditions where murine CD4⁺ CTLs fail to persist. These observations uncover a species-specific defect in murine CD4⁺ CTL persistence with implications for their use as a model system.

Aberrant B Cell Signaling in Autoimmune Diseases

Aberrant B cell signaling plays a critical in role in various systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases. This is supported by genetic evidence by many functional studies in B cells from patients or specific animal models and by the observed efficacy of small-molecule inhibitors. In this review, we first discuss key signal transduction pathways downstream of the B cell receptor (BCR) that ensure that autoreactive B cells are removed from the repertoire or functionally silenced. We provide an overview of aberrant BCR signaling that is associated with inappropriate B cell repertoire selection and activation or survival of peripheral B cell populations and plasma cells, finally leading to autoantibody formation. Next to BCR signaling, abnormalities in other signal transduction pathways have been implicated in autoimmune disease. These include reduced activity of several phosphates that are downstream of co-inhibitory receptors on B cells and increased levels of BAFF and APRIL, which support survival of B cells and plasma cells. Importantly, pathogenic synergy of the BCR and Toll-like receptors (TLR), which can be activated by endogenous ligands, such as self-nucleic acids, has been shown to enhance autoimmunity. Finally, we will briefly discuss therapeutic strategies for autoimmune disease based on interfering with signal transduction in B cells.

Activation of the zinc-sensing receptor GPR39 promotes T-cell reconstitution after hematopoietic cell transplant in mice

Prolonged lymphopenia represents a major clinical problem after cytoreductive therapies such as chemotherapy and the conditioning required for hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT), contributing to the risk of infections and malignant relapse. Restoration of T-cell immunity depends on tissue regeneration in the thymus, the primary site of T-cell development, although the capacity of the thymus to repair itself diminishes over its lifespan. However, although boosting thymic function and T-cell reconstitution is of considerable clinical importance, there are currently no approved therapies for treating lymphopenia. Here we found that zinc (Zn) is critically important for both normal T-cell development and repair after acute damage. Accumulated Zn in thymocytes during development was released into the extracellular milieu after HCT conditioning, where it triggered regeneration by stimulating endothelial cell production of BMP4 via the cell surface receptor GPR39. Dietary supplementation of Zn was sufficient to promote thymic function in a mouse model of allogeneic HCT, including enhancing the number of recent thymic emigrants in circulation although direct targeting of GPR39 with a small molecule agonist enhanced thymic function without the need for prior Zn accumulation in thymocytes. Together, these findings not only define an important pathway underlying tissue regeneration but also offer an innovative preclinical approach to treat lymphopenia in HCT recipients.

Generation of Transgenic Fluorescent Reporter Lines for Studying Hematopoietic Development in the Mouse

Hematopoiesis in the mouse and other mammals occurs in several waves and arises from distinct anatomic sites. Transgenic mice expressing fluorescent reporter proteins at various points in the hematopoietic hierarchy, from hematopoietic stem cell to more restricted progenitors to each of the final differentiated cell types, have provided valuable tools for tagging, tracking, and isolating these cells. In this chapter, we discuss general considerations in designing a transgene, survey available fluorescent probes, and describe methods for confirming and analyzing transgene expression in the hematopoietic tissues of the embryo, fetus, and postnatal/adult animal.

Tracing Self-Reactive B Cells in Normal Mice

BCR transgenic mice dominate studies of B cell tolerance; consequently, tolerance in normal mice expressing diverse sets of autoreactive B cells is poorly characterized. We have used single B cell cultures to trace self-reactivity in BCR repertoires across the first and second tolerance checkpoints and in tolerized B cell compartments of normal mice. This approach reveals affinity "setpoints" that define each checkpoint and a subset of tolerized, autoreactive B cells that is long-lived. In normal mice, the numbers of B cells avidly specific for DNA fall significantly as small pre-B become immature and transitional-1 B cells, revealing the first tolerance checkpoint. By contrast, DNA reactivity does not significantly change when immature and transitional-1 B cells become mature follicular B cells, showing that the second checkpoint does not reduce DNA reactivity. In the spleen, autoreactivity was high in transitional-3 (T3) B cells, CD93⁺IgM^-/loIgD^hi anergic B cells, and a CD93^- anergic subset. Whereas splenic T3 and CD93⁺ anergic B cells are short-lived, CD93^-IgM^-/loIgD^hi B cells have half-lives comparable to mature follicular B cells. B cell-specific deletion of proapoptotic genes, Bak and Bax, resulted in increased CD93^-IgM^-/loIgD^hi B cell numbers but not T3 B cell numbers, suggesting that apoptosis regulates differently persistent and ephemeral autoreactive B cells. The self-reactivity and longevity of CD93^-IgM^-/loIgD^hi B cells and their capacity to proliferate and differentiate into plasmacytes in response to CD40 activation in vitro lead us to propose that this persistent, self-reactive compartment may be the origin of systemic autoimmunity and a potential target for vaccines to elicit protective Abs cross-reactive with self-antigens.

Cutting Edge: Lymphomyeloid-Primed Progenitor Cell Fates Are Controlled by the Transcription Factor Tal1

Lymphoid specification is the process by which hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their progeny become restricted to differentiation through the lymphoid lineages. The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors E2A and Lyl1 form a complex that promotes lymphoid specification. In this study, we demonstrate that Tal1, a Lyl1-related basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that promotes T acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is required for HSC specification, erythropoiesis, and megakaryopoiesis, is a negative regulator of murine lymphoid specification. We demonstrate that Tal1 limits the expression of multiple E2A target genes in HSCs and controls the balance of myeloid versus T lymphocyte differentiation potential in lymphomyeloid-primed progenitors. Our data provide insight into the mechanisms controlling lymphocyte specification and may reveal a basis for the unique functions of Tal1 and Lyl1 in T acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

MHC class II cell-autonomously regulates self-renewal and differentiation of normal and malignant B cells

Best known for presenting antigenic peptides to CD4⁺ T cells, major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) also transmits or may modify intracellular signals. Here, we show that MHC II cell-autonomously regulates the balance between self-renewal and differentiation in B-cell precursors, as well as in malignant B cells. Initiation of MHC II expression early during bone marrow B-cell development limited the occupancy of cycling compartments by promoting differentiation, thus regulating the numerical output of B cells. MHC II deficiency preserved stem cell characteristics in developing pro-B cells in vivo, and ectopic MHC II expression accelerated hematopoietic stem cell differentiation in vitro. Moreover, MHC II expression restrained growth of murine B-cell leukemia cell lines in vitro and in vivo, independently of CD4⁺ T-cell surveillance. Our results highlight an important cell-intrinsic contribution of MHC II expression to establishing the differentiated B-cell phenotype.

Cell circuits between B cell progenitors and IL-7+ mesenchymal progenitor cells control B cell development

B cell development is characterized by well-defined transitions. Fistonich et al. demonstrate that two distinct cell circuits formed between proB, preB, and IL-7⁺ cells regulate the size and quality of B cell progenitors and control B cell development.

B cell progenitors require paracrine signals such as interleukin-7 (IL-7) provided by bone marrow stromal cells for proliferation and survival. Yet, how B cells regulate access to these signals in vivo remains unclear. Here we show that proB and IL-7⁺ cells form a cell circuit wired by IL-7R signaling, which controls CXCR4 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) expression and restricts proB cell movement due to increased adhesion to IL-7⁺CXCL12^Hi cells. PreBCR signaling breaks this circuit by switching the preB cell behavior into a fast-moving and lower-adhesion state via increased CXCR4 and reduced FAK/α4β1 expression. This behavioral change reduces preB cell exposure to IL-7, thereby attenuating IL-7R signaling in vivo. Remarkably, IL-7 production is downregulated by signals provided by preB cells with unrepaired double-stranded DNA breaks and by preB acute lymphoblastic leukemic cells. Combined, these studies revealed that distinct cell circuits control the quality and homeostasis of B cell progenitors.

Correlates of Follicular Helper Bias in the CD4 T Cell Response to a Retroviral Antigen

CD4+ T cell differentiation is influenced by a plethora of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, providing the immune system with the ability to tailor its response according to specific stimuli. Indeed, different classes of pathogens may induce a distinct balance of CD4+ T cell differentiation programmes. Here, we report an uncommonly strong bias toward follicular helper (Tfh) differentiation of CD4+ T cells reactive with a retroviral envelope glycoprotein model antigen, presented in its natural context during retroviral infection. Conversely, the response to the same antigen, presented in different immunization regimens, elicited a response typically balanced between Tfh and T helper 1 cells. Comprehensive quantitation of variables known to influence Tfh differentiation revealed the closest correlation with the strength of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, leading to PD-1 expression, but not with surface TCR downregulation, irrespective of TCR clonotypic avidity. In contrast, strong TCR signaling leading to TCR downregulation and induction of LAG3 expression in high TCR avidity clonotypes restrained CD4+ T cell commitment and further differentiation. Finally, stunted Th1 differentiation, correlating with limited IL-2 availability in retroviral infection, provided permissive conditions for Tfh development, suggesting that Tfh differentiation is the default program of envelope-reactive CD4+ T cells.

Orientation-specific RAG activity in chromosomal loop domains contributes to Tcrd V(D)J recombination during T cell development

T cell antigen receptor δ (Tcrd) variable region exons are assembled by RAG-initiated V(D)J recombination events in developing γδ thymocytes. Here, we use linear amplification-mediated high-throughput genome-wide translocation sequencing (LAM-HTGTS) to map hundreds of thousands of RAG-initiated Tcrd D segment (Trdd1 and Trdd2) rearrangements in CD4(-)CD8(-) double-negative thymocyte progenitors differentiated in vitro from bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem cells. We find that Trdd2 joins directly to Trdv, Trdd1, and Trdj segments, whereas Trdd1 joining is ordered with joining to Trdd2, a prerequisite for further rearrangement. We also find frequent, previously unappreciated, Trdd1 and Trdd2 rearrangements that inactivate Tcrd, including sequential rearrangements from V(D)J recombination signal sequence fusions. Moreover, we find dozens of RAG off-target sequences that are generated via RAG tracking both upstream and downstream from the Trdd2 recombination center across the Tcrd loop domain that is bounded by the upstream INT1-2 and downstream TEA elements. Disruption of the upstream INT1-2 boundary of this loop domain allows spreading of RAG on- and off-target activity to the proximal Trdv domain and, correspondingly, shifts the Tcrd V(D)J recombination landscape by leading to predominant V(D)J joining to a proximal Trdv3 pseudogene that lies just upstream of the normal boundary.

Interleukin-21 administration to aged mice rejuvenates their peripheral T-cell pool by triggering de novo thymopoiesis

The vaccination efficacy in the elderly is significantly reduced compared to younger populations due to thymic involution and age‐related intrinsic changes affecting their naïve T‐cell compartment. Interleukin (IL)‐21 was recently shown to display thymostimulatory properties. Therefore, we hypothesized that its administration to ageing hosts may improve T‐cell output and thus restore a competent peripheral T‐cell compartment. Indeed, an increase in the production of recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) attributable to intrathymic expansion of early thymic progenitors (ETPs), double‐negative (DN), and double‐positive (DP) thymocytes as well as thymic epithelial cell (TEC) was observed in recombinant (r)IL‐21‐treated aged mice. In sharp contrast, no alterations in the frequency of bone marrow (BM)‐derived progenitors were detected following rIL‐21 administration. Enhanced production of naïve T cells improved the T‐cell receptor (TCR) repertoire diversity and re‐established a pool of T cells exhibiting higher levels of miR‐181a and diminished amounts of the TCR‐inhibiting phosphatases SHP‐2 and DUSP5/6. As a result, stimulation of T cells derived from rIL‐21‐treated aged mice displayed enhanced activation of Lck, ZAP‐70, and ERK, which ultimately boosted their IL‐2 production, CD25 expression, and proliferation capabilities in comparison with T cells derived from control aged mice. Consequently, aged rIL‐21‐treated mice vaccinated using a tyrosinase‐related protein 2 (Trp2)‐derived peptide exhibited a substantial delay in B16 tumor growth and improved survival. The results of this study highlight the immunorestorative function of rIL‐21 paving its use as a strategy for the re‐establishment of effective immunity in the elderly.

Combined deletion of Xrcc4 and Trp53 in mouse germinal center B cells leads to novel B cell lymphomas with clonal heterogeneity

Background

Activated B lymphocytes harbor programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) initiated by activation-induced deaminase (AID) and repaired by non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). While it has been proposed that these DSBs during secondary antibody gene diversification are the primary source of chromosomal translocations in germinal center (GC)-derived B cell lymphomas, this point has not been directly addressed due to the lack of proper mouse models.

Methods

In the current study, we establish a unique mouse model by specifically deleting a NHEJ gene, Xrcc4, and a cell cycle checkpoint gene, Trp53, in GC B cells, which results in the spontaneous development of B cell lymphomas that possess features of GC B cells.

Results

We show that these NHEJ deficient lymphomas harbor translocations frequently targeting immunoglobulin (Ig) loci. Furthermore, we found that Ig translocations were associated with distinct mechanisms, probably caused by AID- or RAG-induced DSBs. Intriguingly, the AID-associated Ig loci translocations target either c-myc or Pvt-1 locus whereas the partners of RAG-associated Ig translocations scattered randomly in the genome. Lastly, these NHEJ deficient lymphomas harbor complicated genomes including segmental translocations and exhibit a high level of ongoing DNA damage and clonal heterogeneity.

Conclusions

We propose that combined NHEJ and p53 defects may serve as an underlying mechanism for a high level of genomic complexity and clonal heterogeneity in cancers.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-015-0230-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Surrogate light chain is required for central and peripheral B-cell tolerance and inhibits anti-DNA antibody production by marginal zone B cells

Selection of the primary antibody repertoire takes place in pro-/pre-B cells, and subsequently in immature and transitional B cells. At the first checkpoint, μ heavy (μH) chains assemble with surrogate light (SL) chain into a precursor B-cell receptor. In mice lacking SL chain, μH chain selection is impaired, and serum autoantibody levels are elevated. However, whether the development of autoantibody-producing cells is due to an inability of the resultant B-cell receptors to induce central and/or peripheral B-cell tolerance or other factors is unknown. Here, we show that receptor editing is defective, and that a higher proportion of BM immature B cells are prone to undergoing apoptosis. Furthermore, transitional B cells are also more prone to undergoing apoptosis, with a stronger selection pressure to enter the follicular B-cell pool. Those that enter the marginal zone (MZ) B-cell pool escape selection and survive, possibly due to the B-lymphopenia and elevated levels of B-cell activating factor. Moreover, the MZ B cells are responsible for the elevated IgM anti-dsDNA antibody levels detected in these mice. Thus, the SL chain is required for central and peripheral B-cell tolerance and inhibits anti-DNA antibody production by MZ B cells.

Generation of transgenic mouse fluorescent reporter lines for studying hematopoietic development

During the development of the hematopoietic system, at least eight distinct lineages are generated in the mouse embryo. Transgenic mice expressing fluorescent proteins at various points in the hematopoietic hierarchy, from hematopoietic stem cell to multipotent progenitors to each of the final differentiated cell types, have provided valuable tools for tagging, tracking, and isolating these cells. In this chapter, we discuss general considerations in designing a transgene and survey available fluorescent probes and methods for confirming and analyzing transgene expression in the hematopoietic systems of the embryo, fetus, and postnatal/adult animal.

Microbial colonization influences early B-lineage development in the gut lamina propria

The RAG1/RAG2 endonuclease (RAG) initiates the V(D)J recombination reaction that assembles immunoglobulin heavy (IgH) and light (IgL) chain variable region exons from germline gene segments to generate primary antibody repertoires. IgH V(D)J assembly occurs in progenitor (pro-) B cells followed by that of IgL in precursor (pre-) B cells. Expression of IgH μ and IgL (Igκ or Igλ) chains generates IgM, which is expressed on immature B cells as the B-cell antigen-binding receptor (BCR). Rag expression can continue in immature B cells, allowing continued Igκ V(D)J recombination that replaces the initial VκJκ exon with one that generates a new specificity. This 'receptor editing' process, which can also lead to Igλ V(D)J recombination and expression, provides a mechanism whereby antigen encounter at the Rag-expressing immature B-cell stage helps shape pre-immune BCR repertoires. As the major site of postnatal B-cell development, the bone marrow is the principal location of primary immunoglobulin repertoire diversification in mice. Here we report that early B-cell development also occurs within the mouse intestinal lamina propria (LP), where the associated V(D)J recombination/receptor editing processes modulate primary LP immunoglobulin repertoires. At weanling age in normally housed mice, the LP contains a population of Rag-expressing B-lineage cells that harbour intermediates indicative of ongoing V(D)J recombination and which contain cells with pro-B, pre-B and editing phenotypes. Consistent with LP-specific receptor editing, Rag-expressing LP B-lineage cells have similar VH repertoires, but significantly different Vκ repertoires, compared to those of Rag2-expressing bone marrow counterparts. Moreover, colonization of germ-free mice leads to an increased ratio of Igλ-expressing versus Igκ-expressing B cells specifically in the LP. We conclude that B-cell development occurs in the intestinal mucosa, where it is regulated by extracellular signals from commensal microbes that influence gut immunoglobulin repertoires.

Antibody repertoire development in fetal and neonatal piglets. XXII. λ Rearrangement precedes κ rearrangement during B-cell lymphogenesis in swine

VDJ and VJ rearrangements, expression of RAG-1, Tdt and VpreB, and the presence of signal joint circles (SJC) were used to identify sites of B-cell lymphogenesis. VDJ, VλJλ but not VκJκ rearrangements or SJC were recovered from yolk sac (YS) at 20 days of gestation (DG) along with strong expression of VpreB and RAG-1 but weak Tdt expression. VλJλ rearrangements but not VκJκ rearrangements were recovered from fetal liver at 30-50 DG. SJC were pronounced in bone marrow at 95 DG where VκJκ rearrangements were first recovered. The VλJλ rearrangements recovered at 20-50 DG used some of the same Vλ and Jλ segments seen in older fetuses and adult animals. Hence the textbook paradigm for the order of light-chain rearrangement does not apply to swine. Consistent with weak Tdt expression in early sites of lymphogenesis, N-region additions in VDJ rearrangements were more frequent at 95 DG. Junctional diversity in VλJλ rearrangement was limited at all stages of development. There was little evidence for B-cell lymphogenesis in the ileal Peyer's patches. The widespread recovery of VpreB transcripts in whole, non-lymphoid tissue was unexpected as was its recovery from bone marrow and peripheral blood monocytes. Based on recovery of SJC, B-cell lymphogenesis continues for at least 5 weeks postpartum.

Bidirectional activity of the NWC promoter is responsible for RAG-2 transcription in non-lymphoid cells

The recombination-activating genes (RAG-1 and RAG-2) encode a V(D)J recombinase responsible for rearrangements of antigen-receptor genes during T and B cell development, and RAG expression is known to correlate strictly with the process of rearrangement. In contrast to RAG-1, the expression of RAG-2 was not previously detected during any other stage of lymphopoiesis or in any other normal tissue. Here we report that the CpG island-associated promoter of the NWC gene (the third evolutionarily conserved gene in the RAG locus), which is located in the second intron of RAG-2, has bidirectional activity and is responsible for the detectable transcription of RAG-2 in some non-lymphoid tissues. We also identify evolutionarily conserved promoter fragments responsible for this bidirectional activity, and show that it is activated by transcription factor ZFP143. The possible implications of our findings are briefly discussed.

Immature B cells preferentially switch to IgE with increased direct Sμ to Sε recombination

To be added.

Immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) class-switch recombination (CSR) replaces initially expressed Cμ (IgM) constant regions (C_H) exons with downstream C_H exons. Stimulation of B cells with anti-CD40 plus interleukin-4 induces CSR from Cμ to Cγ1 (IgG1) and Cε (IgE), the latter of which contributes to the pathogenesis of atopic diseases. Although Cε CSR can occur directly from Cμ, most mature peripheral B cells undergo CSR to Cε indirectly, namely from Cμ to Cγ1, and subsequently to Cε. Physiological mechanisms that influence CSR to Cγ1 versus Cε are incompletely understood. In this study, we report a role for B cell developmental maturity in IgE CSR. Based in part on a novel flow cytometric IgE CSR assay, we show that immature B cells preferentially switch to IgE versus IgG1 through a mechanism involving increased direct CSR from Cμ to Cε. Our findings suggest that IgE dysregulation in certain immunodeficiencies may be related to impaired B cell maturation.

AID expression during B-cell development: searching for answers

Expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) by germinal center (GC) B cells drives the processes of immunoglobulin (Ig) somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR) necessary for the generation of high affinity IgG serum antibody and the memory B-cell compartment. Increasing evidence indicates that AID is also expressed at low levels in developing B cells but to date, this early, developmentally regulated AID expression has no known function. Does the timing and extent of AID expression in developmentally immature, non-GC B cells provide clues to reveal its physiologic role?

Repair of chromosomal RAG-mediated DNA breaks by mutant RAG proteins lacking phosphatidylinositol 3-like kinase consensus phosphorylation sites

Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunits (DNA-PKcs) are members of the phosphatidylinositol 3-like family of serine/threonine kinases that phosphorylate serines or threonines when positioned adjacent to a glutamine residue (SQ/TQ). Both kinases are activated rapidly by DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and regulate the function of proteins involved in DNA damage responses. In developing lymphocytes, DSBs are generated during V(D)J recombination, which is required to assemble the second exon of all Ag receptor genes. This reaction is initiated through a DNA cleavage step by the RAG1 and RAG2 proteins, which together comprise an endonuclease that generates DSBs at the border of two recombining gene segments and their flanking recombination signals. This DNA cleavage step is followed by a joining step, during which pairs of DNA coding and signal ends are ligated to form a coding joint and a signal joint, respectively. ATM and DNA-PKcs are integrally involved in the repair of both signal and coding ends, but the targets of these kinases involved in the repair process have not been fully elucidated. In this regard, the RAG1 and RAG2 proteins, which each have several SQ/TQ motifs, have been implicated in the repair of RAG-mediated DSBs. In this study, we use a previously developed approach for studying chromosomal V(D)J recombination that has been modified to allow for the analysis of RAG1 and RAG2 function. We show that phosphorylation of RAG1 or RAG2 by ATM or DNA-PKcs at SQ/TQ consensus sites is dispensable for the joining step of V(D)J recombination.

The role of mechanistic factors in promoting chromosomal translocations found in lymphoid and other cancers

Recurrent chromosomal abnormalities, especially chromosomal translocations, are strongly associated with certain subtypes of leukemia, lymphoma and solid tumors. The appearance of particular translocations or associated genomic alterations can be important indicators of disease prognosis, and in some cases, certain translocations may indicate appropriate therapy protocols. To date, most of our knowledge about chromosomal translocations has derived from characterization of the highly selected recurrent translocations found in certain cancers. Until recently, mechanisms that promote or suppress chromosomal translocations, in particular, those responsible for their initiation, have not been addressed. For translocations to occur, two distinct chromosomal loci must be broken, brought together (synapsed) and joined. Here, we discuss recent findings on processes and pathways that influence the initiation of chromosomal translocations, including the generation fo DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) by general factors or in the context of the Lymphocyte-specific V(D)J and IgH class-switch recombination processes. We also discuss the role of spatial proximity of DSBs in the interphase nucleus with respect to how DSBs on different chromosomes are justaposed for joining. In addition, we discuss the DNA DSB response and its role in recognizing and tethering chromosomal DSBs to prevent translocations, as well as potential roles of the classical and alternative DSB end-joining pathways in suppressing or promoting translocations. Finally, we discuss the potential roles of long range regulatory elements, such as the 3'IgH enhancer complex, in promoting the expression of certain translocations that are frequent in lymphomas and, thereby, contributing to their frequent appearance in tumors.

Use of transgenic fluorescent reporter mouse lines to monitor hematopoietic and erythroid development during embryogenesis

The use of fluorescent reporter proteins such as GFP, RFP, and their variants to tag and track cells within the embryo has revolutionized developmental biology. Expression of these proteins within restricted populations has been achieved through the use of lineage-specific regulatory elements. This approach has proven especially powerful in the hematopoietic system, where it has been possible to monitor the generation, expansion, maturation, and migration of primitive erythroid cells, macrophages, and megakaryocytes during embryogenesis at unprecedented resolution. Such analyses have provided novel insights into the development of these lineages. In this chapter, we discuss the design considerations and methodologies involved in the production and analysis of transgenic mouse lines in which fluorescent reporters are expressed in the hematopoietic system of the mouse embryo.

ATM and p53 are essential in the cell-cycle containment of DNA breaks during V(D)J recombination in vivo

V(D)J recombination is essential for the maturation of lymphocytes. Because of the involvement of cutting and joining DNA double strands, this recombination activity is strictly contained within the noncycling phases of the cell cycle. Such containment is crucial for the maintenance of genomic integrity. The ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene is known to have a central role in sensing general DNA damage and mediating cell-cycle checkpoint. In this study, we investigated the role of ATM and its downstream targets in the cell-cycle control of V(D)J recombination in vivo. Our results revealed the persistence of double-strand breaks (DSBs) throughout the cell cycle in ATM(-/-) and p53(-/-) thymocytes, but the cell-cycle regulation of a V(D)J recombinase, Rag-2, was normal. The histone variant H2AX, which is phosphorylated during normal V(D)J recombination, was dispensable for containing DSBs. H2AX was still phosphorylated at V(D)J loci in the absence of ATM. Therefore, V(D)J recombination, a physiological DNA rearrangement process, activates the ATM/p53 pathway to contain DNA breaks within the noncycling cells and surprisingly this pathway is not important for containing Rag-2 activity. This study shows the dynamic multiple functions of ATM in maintaining genomic stability and preventing tumorigenesis in developing lymphocytes.

Thymic self-reactivity selects natural interleukin 17-producing T cells that can regulate peripheral inflammation

Interleukin 17 (IL-17)-producing CD4(+) helper T cells (T(H)-17 cells) share a developmental relationship with Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (T(reg) cells). Here we show that a T(H)-17 population differentiates in the thymus in a manner influenced by recognition of self antigen and by the cytokines IL-6 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Like previously described T(H)-17 cells, the T(H)-17 cells that developed in the thymus expressed the transcription factor RORgamma t and the IL-23 receptor. These cells also expressed alpha(4)beta(1) integrins and the chemokine receptor CCR6 and were recruited to the lung, gut and liver. In the liver, these cells secreted IL-22 in response to self antigen and mediated host protection during inflammation. Thus, T(H)-17 cells, like T(reg) cells, can be selected by self antigens in the thymus.

Mechanisms promoting translocations in editing and switching peripheral B cells

Variable, diversity and joining gene segment (V(D)J) recombination assembles immunoglobulin heavy or light chain (IgH or IgL) variable region exons in developing bone marrow B cells, whereas class switch recombination (CSR) exchanges IgH constant region exons in peripheral B cells. Both processes use directed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repaired by non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). Errors in either V(D)J recombination or CSR can initiate chromosomal translocations, including oncogenic IgH locus (Igh) to c-myc (also known as Myc) translocations of peripheral B cell lymphomas. Collaboration between these processes has also been proposed to initiate translocations. However, the occurrence of V(D)J recombination in peripheral B cells is controversial. Here we show that activated NHEJ-deficient splenic B cells accumulate V(D)J-recombination-associated breaks at the lambda IgL locus (Igl), as well as CSR-associated Igh breaks, often in the same cell. Moreover, Igl and Igh breaks are frequently joined to form translocations, a phenomenon associated with specific Igh-Igl co-localization. Igh and c-myc also co-localize in these cells; correspondingly, the introduction of frequent c-myc DSBs robustly promotes Igh-c-myc translocations. Our studies show peripheral B cells that attempt secondary V(D)J recombination, and determine a role for mechanistic factors in promoting recurrent translocations in tumours.

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase expression and activity in the absence of germinal centers: insights into hyper-IgM syndrome

Somatic hypermutation normally occurs as a consequence of the expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) by Ag-activated, mature B cells during T cell-dependent germinal center responses. Nonetheless, despite their inability to express CD154 and initiate GC responses, patients with type 1 hyper-IgM syndrome (HIGM1) support populations of IgM(+)IgD(+)CD27(+) B cells that express mutated Ig genes. The origin of these mutated B cells is unknown; the IgM(+)IgD(+)CD27(+) cells do not express AID and appear to acquire mutations independent of stringent selection by Ag. Here, we demonstrate that immature/transitional 1 B cells from the bone marrow of CD154-deficient mice express AID and acquire Ig mutations that lack the hallmarks of antigenic selection via BCR signaling. Comparable levels of AID expression was found in developmentally immature B cells recovered from murine fetal liver and from human immature/transitional 1 B cells recovered from umbilical cord blood. AID expression in human fetal liver was also robust, approaching that of human tonsil tissue and the human germinal center B cell line, Ramos. These observations led us to conclude that AID expression in developing human B cells is the origin of the mutated IgM(+)IgD(+)CD27(+) B cells present in HIGM1 patients, and we propose that both mice and humans share a latent, AID-dependent pathway for the preimmune diversification of B lymphocytes that is more prominent in chicken, sheep, and rabbits.

Conserved cryptic recombination signals in Vkappa gene segments are cleaved in small pre-B cells

BACKGROUND

The cleavage of recombination signals (RS) at the boundaries of immunoglobulin V, D, and J gene segments initiates the somatic generation of the antigen receptor genes expressed by B lymphocytes. RS contain a conserved heptamer and nonamer motif separated by non-conserved spacers of 12 or 23 nucleotides. Under physiologic conditions, V(D)J recombination follows the "12/23 rule" to assemble functional antigen-receptor genes, i.e., cleavage and recombination occur only between RS with dissimilar spacer types. Functional, cryptic RS (cRS) have been identified in VH gene segments; these VH cRS were hypothesized to facilitate self-tolerance by mediating VH --> VHDJH replacements. At the Igkappa locus, however, secondary, de novo rearrangements can delete autoreactive VkappaJkappa joins. Thus, under the hypothesis that V-embedded cRS are conserved to facilitate self-tolerance by mediating V-replacement rearrangements, there would be little selection for Vkappa cRS. Recent studies have demonstrated that VH cRS cleavage is only modestly more efficient than V(D)J recombination in violation of the 12/23 rule and first occurs in pro-B cells unable to interact with exogenous antigens. These results are inconsistent with a model of cRS cleavage during autoreactivity-induced VH gene replacement.

RESULTS

To test the hypothesis that cRS are absent from Vkappa gene segments, a corollary of the hypothesis that the need for tolerizing VH replacements is responsible for the selection pressure to maintain VH cRS, we searched for cRS in mouse Vkappa gene segments using a statistical model of RS. Scans of 135 mouse Vkappa gene segments revealed highly conserved cRS that were shown to be cleaved in the 103/BCL2 cell line and mouse bone marrow B cells. Analogous to results for VH cRS, we find that Vkappa cRS are conserved at multiple locations in Vkappa gene segments and are cleaved in pre-B cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results, together with those for VH cRS, support a model of cRS cleavage in which cleavage is independent of BCR-specificity. Our results are inconsistent with the hypothesis that cRS are conserved solely to support receptor editing. The extent to which these sequences are conserved, and their pattern of conservation, suggest that they may serve an as yet unidentified purpose.

Patterns of receptor revision in the immunoglobulin heavy chains of a teleost fish

H chain cDNA libraries were constructed from the RNA derived from seven different organs and tissues from the same individual catfish. Sequence analysis of >300 randomly selected clones identified clonal set members within the same or different tissues, and some of these represented mosaic or hybrid sequences. These hybrids expressed V(H) members of the same or different V(H) families within different regions of the same clone. Within some clonal sets multiple hybrids were identified, and some of these represented the products of sequential V(H) replacement events. Different experimental methods confirmed that hybrid clones identified in the cDNA library from one tissue could be reisolated in the cDNA pool or from the total RNA derived from the same or a different tissue, indicating that these hybrids likely represented the products of in vivo receptor revision events. Murine statistical recombination models were used to evaluate cryptic recombination signal sequences (cRSS), and significant cRSS pairs in the predicted V(H) donor and recipient were identified. These models supported the hypothesis that seamless revisions may have occurred via hybrid joint formation. The heptamers of the cRSS pairs were located at different locations within the coding region, and different events resulted in the replacement of one or both CDR as well as events that replaced the upstream untranslated region and the leader region. These studies provide phylogenetic evidence that receptor revision may occur in clonally expanded B cell lineages, which supports the hypothesis that additional levels of somatic H chain diversification may exist.

Spontaneous autoimmunity in mice that carry an IghV partial transgene: a required arginine in VHCDR3

We describe a unique spontaneous mouse model of autoimmunity, which occurs on a non-autoimmune-prone SWR genetic background. In this model, SWR mice carry an IghV partial transgene (pTg) encoding only the heavy chain variable domain of an antibody directed against chromatin. Autoimmune disease in pTg mice was manifested by some of the features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including the presence of serum anti-nuclear antibodies, splenomegaly, skin lesions and a moderate degree of kidney pathology, in various combinations among individuals. Autoimmunity was observed in three independent transgenic lines, but not in three control lines carrying a nearly identical pTg, in which a VHCDR3 codon for Arg was replaced by one for Ser to ablate chromatin reactivity. Various features of disease were often but not always accompanied by anti-chromatin antibodies. Unexpectedly, the anti-chromatin antibodies detected in seropositive animals were not encoded by the pTg. These observations strongly implicate a role for the transgene product in disease initiation but not necessarily for end-state pathology, and they raise the possibility that autoreactive B cells may play a previously unappreciated role in initiating the development of systemic autoimmunity.

Mechanisms controlling expression of the RAG locus during lymphocyte development

Recombination activating genes (RAG)1 and RAG2 are expressed in developing B and T lymphocytes and are required for the rearrangement of antigen receptor genes. In turn, RAG expression is regulated by the products of these assembled immunoglobulin (Ig) and T cell receptor (TCR) genes. Upon successful assembly of Ig genes, the antigen receptor is expressed on the immature B cell surface and tested for autoreactivity leading to either maintenance or inactivation of RAG expression. Successful assembly of TCR genes is followed by surface TCR expression and testing for its ability to interact with self-MHC, which if appropriate leads to the inactivation of RAG expression. Recent studies in B and T lymphocytes demonstrate that the reduction in RAG expression at the immature B and double-positive (DP) T cell stages is mediated through tonic (foreign antigen independent) receptor signaling. In B cells, tonic signaling activates PI(3)K and Akt kinases, which phosphorylate and lead to the cytoplasmic sequestration of FoxO proteins, the key transcriptional activators of RAG expression. In T cells, tonic signaling activates Abl and Erk kinases, leading to the transcriptional inactivation of RAGs.

Oncogenic transformation in the absence of Xrcc4 targets peripheral B cells that have undergone editing and switching

Nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) repairs DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) during V(D)J recombination in developing lymphocytes and during immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain (IgH) class switch recombination (CSR) in peripheral B lymphocytes. We now show that CD21-cre–mediated deletion of the Xrcc4 NHEJ gene in p53-deficient peripheral B cells leads to recurrent surface Ig-negative B lymphomas (“CXP lymphomas”). Remarkably, CXP lymphomas arise from peripheral B cells that had attempted both receptor editing (secondary V[D]J recombination of Igκ and Igλ light chain genes) and IgH CSR subsequent to Xrcc4 deletion. Correspondingly, CXP tumors frequently harbored a CSR-based reciprocal chromosomal translocation that fused IgH to c-myc, as well as large chromosomal deletions or translocations involving Igκ or Igλ, with the latter fusing Igλ to oncogenes or to IgH. Our findings reveal peripheral B cells that have undergone both editing and CSR and show them to be common progenitors of CXP tumors. Our studies also reveal developmental stage-specific mechanisms of c-myc activation via IgH locus translocations. Thus, Xrcc4/p53-deficient pro–B lymphomas routinely activate c-myc by gene amplification, whereas Xrcc4/p53-deficient peripheral B cell lymphomas routinely ectopically activate a single c-myc copy.

B cell receptor revision diminishes the autoreactive B cell response after antigen activation in mice

Autoreactive B cells are regulated in the BM during development through mechanisms, including editing of the B cell receptor (BCR), clonal deletion, and anergy. Peripheral B cell tolerance is also important for protection from autoimmune damage, although the mechanisms are less well defined. Here we demonstrated, using a mouse model of SLE-like serology, that during an autoimmune response, RAG was reinduced in antigen-activated early memory or preplasma B cells. Expression of RAG was specific to antigen-reactive B cells, required the function of the IL-7 receptor (IL-7R), and contributed to maintenance of humoral tolerance. We also showed that soluble antigen could diminish a non-autoreactive antibody response through induction of BCR revision. These data suggest that tolerance induction operates in B cells at a postactivation checkpoint and that BCR revision helps regulate autoreactivity generated during an ongoing immune response.

Antigen receptor editing in anti-DNA transitional B cells deficient for surface IgM

In response to encounter with self-Ag, autoreactive B cells may undergo secondary L chain gene rearrangement (receptor editing) and change the specificity of their Ag receptor. Knowing at what differentiative stage(s) developing B cells undergo receptor editing is important for understanding how self-reactive B cells are regulated. In this study, in mice with Ig transgenes coding for anti-self (DNA) Ab, we report dsDNA breaks indicative of ongoing secondary L chain rearrangement not only in bone marrow cells with a pre-B/B cell phenotype but also in immature/transitional splenic B cells with little or no surface IgM (sIgM(-/low)). L chain-edited transgenic B cells were detectable in spleen but not bone marrow and were still found to produce Ab specific for DNA (and apoptotic cells), albeit with lower affinity for DNA than the unedited transgenic Ab. We conclude that L chain editing in anti-DNA-transgenic B cells is not only ongoing in bone marrow but also in spleen. Indeed, transfer of sIgM(-/low) anti-DNA splenic B cells into SCID mice resulted in the appearance of a L chain editor (Vlambdax) in the serum of engrafted recipients. Finally, we also report evidence for ongoing L chain editing in sIgM(low) transitional splenic B cells of wild-type mice.

B cell receptor basal signaling regulates antigen-induced Ig light chain rearrangements

BCR editing in the bone marrow contributes to B cell tolerance by orchestrating secondary Ig rearrangements in self-reactive B cells. We have recently shown that loss of the BCR or a pharmacologic blockade of BCR proximal signaling pathways results in a global "back-differentiation" response in which immature B cells down-regulate genes important for the mature B cell program and up-regulate genes characteristic of earlier stages of B cell development. These observations led us to test the hypothesis that self-Ag-induced down-regulation of the BCR, and not self-Ag-induced positive signals, lead to Rag induction and hence receptor editing. Supporting this hypothesis, we found that immature B cells from xid (x-linked immunodeficiency) mice induce re-expression of a Rag2-GFP bacterial artificial chromosome reporter as well as wild-type immature B cells following Ag incubation. Incubation of immature B cells with self-Ag leads to a striking reversal in differentiation to the pro-/pre-B stage of development, consistent with the idea that back-differentiation results in the reinduction of genes required for L chain rearrangement and receptor editing. Importantly, Rag induction, the back-differentiation response to Ag, and editing in immature and pre-B cells are inhibited by a combination of phorbol ester and calcium ionophore, agents that bypass proximal signaling pathways and mimic BCR signaling. Thus, mimicking positive BCR signals actually inhibits receptor editing. These findings support a model whereby Ag-induced receptor editing is inhibited by BCR basal signaling on developing B cells; BCR down-regulation removes this basal signal, thereby initiating receptor editing.

Multiple, conserved cryptic recombination signals in VH gene segments: detection of cleavage products only in pro B cells

Receptor editing is believed to play the major role in purging newly formed B cell compartments of autoreactivity by the induction of secondary V(D)J rearrangements. In the process of immunoglobulin heavy (H) chain editing, these secondary rearrangements are mediated by direct V_H-to-J_H joining or cryptic recombination signals (cRSs) within V_H gene segments. Using a statistical model of RS, we have identified potential cRSs within V_H gene segments at conserved sites flanking complementarity-determining regions 1 and 2. These cRSs are active in extrachromosomal recombination assays and cleaved during normal B cell development. Cleavage of multiple V_H cRSs was observed in the bone marrow of C57BL/6 and RAG2:GFP and μMT congenic animals, and we determined that cRS cleavage efficiencies are 30–50-fold lower than a physiological RS. cRS signal ends are abundant in pro–B cells, including those recovered from μMT mice, but undetectable in pre– or immature B cells. Thus, V_H cRS cleavage regularly occurs before the generation of functional preBCR and BCR. Conservation of cRSs distal from the 3′ end of V_H gene segments suggests a function for these cryptic signals other than V_H gene replacement.

Noninvasive intravital imaging of thymocyte dynamics in medaka

In vivo imaging of thymocytes has not been accomplished due to their localization deep within opaque body and high susceptibility to surgical stress. To overcome these problems, medaka is useful because of transparency and ex-uterine development. We report the noninvasive detection of thymocytes in transgenic medaka that express fluorescent protein under the control of immature-lymphocyte-specific rag1. We show that lymphoid progenitor cells colonize the thymus primordium in an anterior-to-posterior orientation-specific manner, revealing that extrathymic anterior components guide prevascular thymus colonization. We also show that developing thymocytes acquire "random walk motility" along with the expression of Ag receptors and coreceptors, suggesting that thymocyte walking is initiated at the developmental stage for repertoire selection. Thus, transgenic medaka enables real-time intravital imaging of thymocytes without surgical invasion.

ATM prevents the persistence and propagation of chromosome breaks in lymphocytes

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) induce a signal transmitted by the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase, which suppresses illegitimate joining of DSBs and activates cell-cycle checkpoints. Here we show that a significant fraction of mature ATM-deficient lymphocytes contain telomere-deleted ends produced by failed end joining during V(D)J recombination. These RAG-1/2 endonuclease-dependent, terminally deleted chromosomes persist in peripheral lymphocytes for at least 2 weeks in vivo and are stable over several generations in vitro. Restoration of ATM kinase activity in mature lymphocytes that have transiently lost ATM function leads to loss of cells with terminally deleted chromosomes. Thus, maintenance of genomic stability in lymphocytes requires faithful end joining as well a checkpoint that prevents the long-term persistence and transmission of DSBs. Silencing this checkpoint permits DNA ends produced by V(D)J recombination in a lymphoid precursor to serve as substrates for translocations with chromosomes subsequently damaged by other means in mature cells.

A hypomorphic R229Q Rag2 mouse mutant recapitulates human Omenn syndrome

Rag enzymes are the main players in V(D)J recombination, the process responsible for rearrangement of TCR and Ig genes. Hypomorphic Rag mutations in humans, which maintain partial V(D)J activity, cause a peculiar SCID associated with autoimmune-like manifestations, Omenn syndrome (OS). Although a deficient ability to sustain thymopoiesis and to produce a diverse T and B cell repertoire explains the increased susceptibility to severe infections, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the spectrum of clinical and immunological features of OS remain poorly defined. In order to better define the molecular and cellular pathophysiology of OS, we generated a knockin murine model carrying the Rag2 R229Q mutation previously described in several patients with OS and leaky forms of SCID. These Rag2(R229Q/R229Q) mice showed oligoclonal T cells, absence of circulating B cells, and peripheral eosinophilia. In addition, activated T cells infiltrated gut and skin, causing diarrhea, alopecia, and, in some cases, severe erythrodermia. These findings were associated with reduced thymic expression of Aire and markedly reduced numbers of naturally occurring Tregs and NKT lymphocytes. In conclusion, Rag2(R229Q/R229Q) mice mimicked most symptoms of human OS; our findings support the notion that impaired immune tolerance and defective immune regulation are involved in the pathophysiology of OS.

T-independent activation-induced cytidine deaminase expression, class-switch recombination, and antibody production by immature/transitional 1 B cells

Inflammation elicits a splenic lymphopoiesis of unknown physiologic significance but one that juxtaposes developing B cells and exogenous Ag. We show that immature and transitional 1 (immature/T1) B cells constitutively express activation-induced cytidine deaminase and B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 in amounts that support accelerated plasmacytic differentiation and limited class-switch recombination. In vivo, activation of immature/T1 B cells by TLR ligands or bacterial vaccine rapidly induces T1 cells to divide, proliferate, and secrete IgM, IgG, or IgA Ab; in vitro, proliferation and differentiation are substantially enhanced by B cell-activating factor. We propose that inflammation-induced extramedullary lymphopoiesis represents a specialized mechanism for innate Ab responses to microbial pathogens.

Revision of the antigen receptor of T-lymphocytes

This review considers a crucially new mechanism of T-cell antigen-recognizing repertoire formation. It includes the revision of T-cell antigen receptor (TCR), which implies the secondary rearrangement of TCR genes in peripheral T-lymphocytes and surface expression of a new antigen receptor with altered specificity. Factors and mechanisms involved in the induction of this process have been analyzed. Certain attention is paid to a possible role of TCR revision in the formation of peripheral tolerance in the processes of "avidity maturation" of T-lymphocytes during immune response and also negative consequences related to appearance of potentially autoreactive clones in the periphery.

Peripheral B cell receptor editing may promote the production of high-affinity autoantibodies in CD22-deficient mice

CD22-deficient mice are characterized by B cell hyperactivity and autoimmunity. We have constructed knock-in CD22-/- mice, expressing an anti-DNA heavy (H) chain (D42), alone or combined with Vkappa1-Jkappa1 or Vkappa8-Jkappa5 light (L) chains. The Ig-targeted mice produced a lupus-like serology that was age- and sex-dependent. High-affinity IgG autoantibodies were largely dependent on the selection of B cells with a particular H/L combination, in which a non-transgenic, endogenous L chain was assembled by secondary rearrangements through the mechanism of receptor editing. Moreover, we present evidence that these secondary rearrangements are very prominent in splenic peripheral B cells. Since CD22 is primarily expressed on the surface of peripheral B cells, we propose a model for the development of a lupus-like autoimmune disease by a combination of peripheral receptor editing and abnormal B cell activation.

Gfi1b:green fluorescent protein knock-in mice reveal a dynamic expression pattern of Gfi1b during hematopoiesis that is largely complementary to Gfi1

Gfi1b and Gfi1 are 37- and 55-kDa transcriptional repressors that share common features such as a 20-amino acid (aa) N-terminal SNAG domain, a nonconserved intermediary domain, and 6 highly conserved C-terminal zinc fingers. Both gene loci are under autoregulatory and cross-regulatory feedback control. We have generated a reporter mouse strain by inserting the cDNA for green fluorescent protein (GFP) into the Gfi1b gene locus which allowed us to follow Gfi1b expression during hematopoiesis and lymphopoiesis by measuring green fluorescence. We found highly dynamic expression patterns of Gfi1b in erythroid cells, megakaryocytes, and their progenitor cells (MEPS) where Gfi1 is not detected. Vice versa, Gfi1b could not be found in granulocytes, activated macrophages, or their granulomonocytic precursors (GMPs) or in mature naive or activated lymphocytes where Gfi1 is expressed, suggesting a complementary regulation of both loci during hematopoiesis. However, Gfi1b was found to be up-regulated in early stages of B-cell and in a subset of early T-cell development, where Gfi1 is also present, suggesting that cross-regulation of both loci exists but is cell-type specific.

Paucity of V-D-D-J rearrangements and VH replacement events in lupus prone and nonautoimmune TdT-/- and TdT+/+ mice

CDR3 regions containing two D segments, or containing the footprints of V(H) replacement events, have been reported in both mice and humans. However, the 12-23 bp rule for V(D)J recombination predicts that D-D rearrangements, which would occur between 2 recombination signal sequences (RSSs) with 12-bp spacers, should be extremely disfavored, and the cryptic RSS used for V(H) replacement is very inefficient. We have previously shown that newborn mice, which lack TdT due to the late onset of its expression, do not contain any CDR3 with D-D rearrangements. In the present study, we test our hypothesis that most D-D rearrangements are due to fortuitous matching of the second apparent D segment by TdT-introduced N nucleotides. We analyzed 518 sequences from adult MRL/lpr- and C57BL/6 TdT-deficient B cell precursors and found only two examples of CDR3 with D-D rearrangements and one example of a potential V(H) replacement event. We examined rearrangements from pre-B cells, marginal zone B cells, and follicular B cells from mice congenic for the Lbw5 (Sle3/5) lupus susceptibility loci and from other strains of mice and found very few examples of CDR3 with D-D rearrangements. We assayed B progenitor cells, and cells enriched for receptor editing, for DNA breaks at the "cryptic heptamer" but such breaks were rare. We conclude that many examples of apparent D-D rearrangements in the mouse are likely due to N additions that fortuitously match short stretches of D genes and that D-D rearrangements and V(H) replacement are rare occurrences in the mouse.

Development and selection of edited B cells in B6.56R mice

Tolerance to dsDNA is broken in mice with a high-affinity anti-DNA H chain transgene, 56R, on the C57BL/6 background (B6.56R). B6.56R produce more anti-dsDNA Abs than BALBc.56R. To investigate how anti-DNA Abs are regulated on the B6 background, phenotypic and genetic studies were performed. B6.56R have reduced numbers of B cells and phenotypically altered B cell subsets, including relative increases in the proportions of IgM-negative bone marrow B cells, cells with a marginal zone phenotype, and cells with a transitional T3 phenotype. The peripheral B cell repertoire in B6.56R is restricted: most B cells express the 56R H chain and use a similar, limited subset of editor L chains. DNA binding is more common in B6.56R because the repertoire is shifted toward L chains that are more permissive for DNA binding. H chain editing is also observed and is increased in spontaneous as compared with LPS hybridomas. A subset of spontaneous hybridomas appears to lack H chain expression.