Identification of murine germinal center B cell subsets defined by the expression of surface isotypes and differentiation antigens

B cells secrete functional antigen-specific IgG antibodies on extracellular vesicles

B cells and the antibodies they produce are critical in host defense against pathogens and contribute to various immune-mediated diseases. B cells responding to activating signals in vitro release extracellular vesicles (EV) that carry surface antibodies, yet B cell production of EVs that express antibodies and their function in vivo is incompletely understood. Using transgenic mice expressing the Cre recombinase in B cells switching to IgG1 to induce expression of fusion proteins between emerald green fluorescent protein (emGFP) and the EV tetraspanin CD63 as a model, we identify emGFP expression in B cells responding to foreign antigen in vivo and characterize the emGFP+ EVs they release. Our data suggests that emGFP+ germinal center B cells undergoing immunoglobulin class switching to express IgG and their progeny memory B cells and plasma cells, also emGFP+, are sources of circulating antigen-specific IgG+ EVs. Furthermore, using a mouse model of influenza virus infection, we find that IgG+ EVs specific for the influenza hemagglutinin antigen protect against virus infection. In addition, crossing the B cell Cre driver EV reporter mice onto the Nba2 lupus-prone strain revealed increased circulating emGFP+ EVs that expressed surface IgG against nuclear antigens linked to autoimmunity. These data identify EVs loaded with antibodies as a novel route for antibody secretion in B cells that contribute to adaptive immune responses, with important implications for different functions of IgG+ EVs in infection and autoimmunity.

Modulation of T-Cell-Dependent Humoral Immune Response to Influenza Vaccine by Multiple Antioxidant/Immunomodulatory Micronutrient Supplementation

Notwithstanding prevalence gaps in micronutrients supporting immune functions, the significance of their deficits/supplementation for the efficacy of vaccines is underinvestigated. Thus, the influence of supplementation combining vitamins C and D, zinc, selenium, manganese, and N-acetyl cysteine on immune correlates/surrogates of protection conferred by a quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) in mice was investigated. The supplementation starting 5 days before the first of two QIV injections given 28 days apart increased the serum titres of total and neutralizing IgG against each of four influenza strains from QIV. Accordingly, the frequencies of germinal center B cells, follicular CD4+ T helper (Th) cells, and IL-21-producing Th cells increased in secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs). Additionally, the supplementation improved already increased IgG response to the second QIV injection by augmenting not only neutralizing antibody production, but also IgG2a response, which is important for virus clearance, through favoring Th1 differentiation as indicated by Th1 (IFN-γ)/Th2 (IL-4) signature cytokine level ratio upon QIV restimulation in SLO cell cultures. This most likely partly reflected antioxidant action of the supplement as indicated by splenic redox status analyses. Thus, the study provides a solid scientific background for further research aimed at repurposing the use of this safe and inexpensive micronutrient combination to improve response to the influenza vaccine.

'Persistent germinal center responses: slow-growing trees bear the best fruits'

Germinal centers (GCs) are key microanatomical sites in lymphoid organs where responding B cells mature and undergo affinity-based selection. The duration of the GC reaction has long been assumed to be relatively brief, but recent studies in humans, nonhuman primates, and mice indicate that GCs can last for weeks to months after initial antigen exposure. This review examines recent studies investigating the factors that influence GC duration, including antigen persistence, T-follicular helper cells, and mode of immunization. Potential mechanisms for how persistent GCs influence the B-cell repertoire are considered. Overall, these studies provide a blueprint for how to design better vaccines that elicit persistent GC responses.

Early Appearance of Functional Plasma Cells (CD138+CD98+) in Non-immunized Neonate Mice

Plasma cells (PCs) are terminally differentiated antibody-secreting cells, derived from activated B-lymphocytes in response to either T-independent or T-dependent antigens. The plasma cell population is scarce in circulation in non-immunized individuals. It is established that neonates are incapable of mounting an efficient immune response due to the immaturity of the immune system. However, this disadvantage is well overcome through the antibodies neonates receive from breastmilk. This implies that neonates will be only protected against antigens the mother had previously encountered. Thus, the child might be potentially susceptible to new antigens. This issue prompted us to seek for the presence of PCs in non-immunized neonate mice. We found a PC population identified as CD138+/CD98+ cells since day one after birth. These PCs were positive for Ki67 and expressed Blimp-1, B220, and CD19, which suggests the populations are plasmablasts and PCs with heterogeneous phenotype. These PCs were also determined to secrete antibodies, although mainly isotype IgM. Altogether, the results indicated that neonate PCs can produce antibodies against antigens they encounter in the first weeks of life, most likely coming from food, colonizing microbiota, or the environment.

Early IgE Production Is Linked with Extrafollicular B- and T-Cell Activation in Low-Dose Allergy Model

Despite its paramount importance, the predominant association of early IgE production with harmless antigens, via germinal-center B- and T-cell subpopulations or extrafollicular activation, remains unresolved. The aim of this work was to clarify whether the reinforced IgE production following the subcutaneous immunization of BALB/c mice with low antigen doses in withers adipose tissue might be linked with intensified extrafollicular or germinal-center responses. The mice were immunized three times a week for 4 weeks in the withers region, which is enriched in subcutaneous fat and tissue-associated B cells, with high and low OVA doses and via the intraperitoneal route for comparison. During long-term immunization with both low and high antigen doses in the withers region, but not via the intraperitoneal route, we observed a significant accumulation of B220-CD1d-CD5-CD19+ B-2 extrafollicular plasmablasts in the subcutaneous fat and regional lymph nodes but not in the intraperitoneal fat. Only low antigen doses induced a significant accumulation of CXCR4+ CXCR5- CD4+ extrafollicular T helpers in the withers adipose tissue but not in the regional lymph nodes or abdominal fat. Only in subcutaneous fat was there a combination of extrafollicular helper accumulation. In conclusion, extrafollicular B- and T-cell activation are necessary for early IgE class switching.

Distinctive High Expression of Antiretroviral APOBEC3 Protein in Mouse Germinal Center B Cells

Tissue and subcellular localization and its changes upon cell activation of virus-restricting APOBEC3 at protein levels are important to understanding physiological functions of this cytidine deaminase, but have not been thoroughly analyzed in vivo. To precisely follow the possible activation-induced changes in expression levels of APOBEC3 protein in different mouse tissues and cell populations, genome editing was utilized to establish knock-in mice that express APOBEC3 protein with an in-frame FLAG tag. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analyses were performed prior to and after an immunological stimulation. Cultured B cells expressed higher levels of APOBEC3 protein than T cells. All differentiation and activation stages of freshly prepared B cells expressed significant levels of APOBEC3 protein, but germinal center cells possessed the highest levels of APOBEC3 protein localized in their cytoplasm. Upon immunological stimulation with sheep red blood cells in vivo, germinal center cells with high levels of APOBEC3 protein expression increased in their number, but FLAG-specific fluorescence intensity in each cell did not change. T cells, even those in germinal centers, did not express significant levels of APOBEC3 protein. Thus, mouse APOBEC3 protein is expressed at distinctively high levels in germinal center B cells. Antigenic stimulation did not affect expression levels of cellular APOBEC3 protein despite increased numbers of germinal center cells.

Committed Human CD23-Negative Light-Zone Germinal Center B Cells Delineate Transcriptional Program Supporting Plasma Cell Differentiation

B cell affinity maturation occurs in the germinal center (GC). Light-zone (LZ) GC B cells (B_GC-cells) interact with follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) and compete for the limited, sequential help from T follicular helper cells needed to escape from apoptosis and complete their differentiation. The highest-affinity LZ B_GC-cells enter the cell cycle and differentiate into PCs, following a dramatic epigenetic reorganization that induces transcriptome changes in general and the expression of the PRDM1 gene in particular. Human PC precursors are characterized by the loss of IL-4/STAT6 signaling and the absence of CD23 expression. Here, we studied the fate of human LZ B_GC-cells as a function of their CD23 expression. We first showed that CD23 expression was restricted to the GC LZ, where it was primarily expressed by FDCs; less than 10% of tonsil LZ B_GC-cells were positive. Sorted LZ B_GC-cells left in culture and stimulated upregulated CD23 expression but were unable to differentiate into PCs – in contrast to cells that did not upregulate CD23 expression. An in-depth analysis (including single-cell gene expression) showed that stimulated CD23-negative LZ B_GC-cells differentiated into plasmablasts and time course of gene expression changes delineates the transcriptional program that sustains PC differentiation. In particular, we identified a B cell proliferation signature supported by a transient MYC gene expression. Overall, the CD23 marker might be of value in answering questions about the differentiation of normal B_GC-cells and allowed us to propose an instructive LZ B_GC-cells maturation and fate model.

Guidelines for the use of flow cytometry and cell sorting in immunological studies (third edition)

The third edition of Flow Cytometry Guidelines provides the key aspects to consider when performing flow cytometry experiments and includes comprehensive sections describing phenotypes and functional assays of all major human and murine immune cell subsets. Notably, the Guidelines contain helpful tables highlighting phenotypes and key differences between human and murine cells. Another useful feature of this edition is the flow cytometry analysis of clinical samples with examples of flow cytometry applications in the context of autoimmune diseases, cancers as well as acute and chronic infectious diseases. Furthermore, there are sections detailing tips, tricks and pitfalls to avoid. All sections are written and peer-reviewed by leading flow cytometry experts and immunologists, making this edition an essential and state-of-the-art handbook for basic and clinical researchers.

In Silico Analysis of the Longevity and Timeline of Individual Germinal Center Reactions in a Primary Immune Response

Germinal centers (GCs) are transient structures in the secondary lymphoid organs, where B cells undergo affinity maturation to produce high affinity memory and plasma cells. The lifetime of GC responses is a critical factor limiting the extent of affinity maturation and efficiency of antibody responses. While the average lifetime of overall GC reactions in a lymphoid organ is determined experimentally, the lifetime of individual GCs has not been monitored due to technical difficulties in longitudinal analysis. In silico analysis of the contraction phase of GC responses towards primary immunization with sheep red blood cells suggested that if individual GCs had similar lifetimes, the data would be consistent only when new GCs were formed until a very late phase after immunization. Alternatively, there could be a large variation in the lifetime of individual GCs suggesting that both long and short-lived GCs might exist in the same lymphoid organ. Simulations predicted that such differences in the lifetime of GCs could arise due to variations in antigen availability and founder cell composition. These findings identify the potential factors limiting GC lifetime and contribute to an understanding of overall GC responses from the perspective of individual GCs in a primary immune response.

Immunoglobulin M in Health and Diseases: How Far Have We Come and What Next?

B lymphocytes are important in secreting antibodies that protect against invading pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and also in mediating pathogenesis of allergic diseases and autoimmunity. B lymphocytes develop in the bone marrow and contain heavy and light chains, which upon ligation form an immunoglobulin M (IgM) B cell receptor (BCR) expressed on the surface of naïve immature B cells. Naïve B cells expressing either IgM or IgD isotypes are thought to play interchangeable functions in antibody responses to T cell-dependent and T cell-independent antigens. IgM short-lived plasma cells (SLPCs) and antigen-specific IgM memory B cells (MBCs-M) are critical in the first few days of infection, as well as long-term memory induced by vaccination, respectively. At mucosal surfaces, IgM is thought to play a critical part in promoting mucosal tolerance and shaping microbiota together with IgA. In this review, we explore how IgM structure and BCR signaling shapes B cell development, self and non-self-antigen-specific antibody responses, responses to infectious (such as viruses, parasites, and fungal) and non-communicable diseases (such as autoimmunity and allergic asthma). We also explore how metabolism could influence other B cell functions such as mucosal tolerance and class switching. Finally, we discuss some of the outstanding critical research questions in both experimental and clinical settings targeting IgM.

IL-23 Promotes a Coordinated B Cell Germinal Center Program for Class-Switch Recombination to IgG2b in BXD2 Mice

IL-23 promotes autoimmune disease, including Th17 CD4 T cell development and autoantibody production. In this study, we show that a deficiency of the p19 component of IL-23 in the autoimmune BXD2 (BXD2-p19^-/- ) mouse leads to a shift of the follicular T helper cell program from follicular T helper (Tfh)-IL-17 to Tfh-IFN-γ. Although the germinal center (GC) size and the number of GC B cells remained the same, BXD2-p19^-/- mice exhibited a lower class-switch recombination (CSR) in the GC B cells, leading to lower serum levels of IgG2b. Single-cell transcriptomics analysis of GC B cells revealed that whereas Ifngr1, Il21r, and Il4r genes exhibited a synchronized expression pattern with Cxcr5 and plasma cell program genes, Il17ra exhibited a synchronized expression pattern with Cxcr4 and GC program genes. Downregulation of Ighg2b in BXD2-p19^-/- GC B cells was associated with decreased expression of CSR-related novel base excision repair genes that were otherwise predominantly expressed by Il17ra ⁺ GC B cells in BXD2 mice. Together, these results suggest that although IL-23 is dispensable for GC formation, it is essential to promote a population of Tfh-IL-17 cells. IL-23 acts indirectly on Il17ra ⁺ GC B cells to facilitate CSR-related base excision repair genes during the dark zone phase of GC B cell development.

The Transcription Factor T-bet Resolves Memory B Cell Subsets with Distinct Tissue Distributions and Antibody Specificities in Mice and Humans

B cell subsets expressing the transcription factor T-bet are associated with humoral immune responses and autoimmunity. Here, we examined the anatomic distribution, clonal relationships, and functional properties of T-bet⁺ and T-bet^- memory B cells (MBCs) in the context of the influenza-specific immune response. In mice, both T-bet^- and T-bet⁺ hemagglutinin (HA)-specific B cells arose in germinal centers, acquired memory B cell markers, and persisted indefinitely. Lineage tracing and IgH repertoire analyses revealed minimal interconversion between T-bet^- and T-bet⁺ MBCs, and parabionts showed differential tissue residency and recirculation properties. T-bet⁺ MBCs could be subdivided into recirculating T-bet^lo MBCs and spleen-resident T-bet^hi MBCs. Human MBCs displayed similar features. Conditional gene deletion studies revealed that T-bet expression in B cells was required for nearly all HA stalk-specific IgG2c antibodies and for durable neutralizing titers to influenza. Thus, T-bet expression distinguishes MBC subsets that have profoundly different homing, residency, and functional properties, and mediate distinct aspects of humoral immune memory.

Sex differences in Tfh cell help to B cells contribute to sexual dimorphism in severity of rat collagen-induced arthritis

The study examined germinal centre (GC) reaction in lymph nodes draining inflamed joints and adjacent tissues (dLNs) in male and female Dark Agouti rat collagen type II (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) model of rheumatoid arthritis. Female rats exhibiting the greater susceptibility to CIA mounted stronger serum CII-specific IgG response than their male counterparts. This correlated with the higher frequency of GC B cells in female compared with male dLNs. Consistently, the frequency of activated/proliferating Ki-67+ cells among dLN B cells was higher in females than in males. This correlated with the shift in dLN T follicular regulatory (Tfr)/T follicular helper (Tfh) cell ratio towards Tfh cells in females, and greater densities of CD40L and CD40 on their dLN T and B cells, respectively. The higher Tfh cell frequency in females was consistent with the greater dLN expression of mRNA for IL-21/27, the key cytokines involved in Tfh cell generation and their help to B cells. Additionally, in CII-stimulated female rat dLN cell cultures IFN-γ/IL-4 production ratio was shifted towards IFN-γ. Consistently, the serum IgG2a(b)/IgG1 CII-specific antibody ratio was shifted towards an IgG2a(b) response in females. Thus, targeting T-/B-cell interactions should be considered in putative further sex-based translational pharmacology research.

Guidelines for the use of flow cytometry and cell sorting in immunological studies (second edition)

These guidelines are a consensus work of a considerable number of members of the immunology and flow cytometry community. They provide the theory and key practical aspects of flow cytometry enabling immunologists to avoid the common errors that often undermine immunological data. Notably, there are comprehensive sections of all major immune cell types with helpful Tables detailing phenotypes in murine and human cells. The latest flow cytometry techniques and applications are also described, featuring examples of the data that can be generated and, importantly, how the data can be analysed. Furthermore, there are sections detailing tips, tricks and pitfalls to avoid, all written and peer-reviewed by leading experts in the field, making this an essential research companion.

Central Nervous System Inflammatory Aggregates in the Theiler's Virus Model of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Persistent central nervous system (CNS) inflammation, as seen in chronic infections or inflammatory demyelinating diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), results in the accumulation of various B cell subsets in the CNS, including naïve, activated, memory B cells (Bmem), and antibody secreting cells (ASC). However, factors driving heterogeneous B cell subset accumulation and antibody (Ab) production in the CNS compartment, including the contribution of ectopic lymphoid follicles (ELF), during chronic CNS inflammation remain unclear and is a major gap in our understanding of neuroinflammation. We sought to address this gap using the Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD) model of progressive MS. In this model, injection of the virus into susceptible mouse strains results in a persistent infection associated with demyelination and progressive disability. During chronic infection, the predominant B cell phenotypes accumulating in the CNS were isotype-switched B cells, including Bmem and ASC with naïve/early activated and transitional B cells present at low frequencies. B cell accumulation in the CNS during chronic TMEV-IDD coincided with intrathecal Ab synthesis in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Mature and isotype-switched B cells predominately localized to the meninges and perivascular space, with IgG isotype-switched B cells frequently accumulating in the parenchymal space. Both mature and isotype-switched B cells and T cells occupied meningeal and perivascular spaces, with minimal evidence for spatial organization typical of ELF mimicking secondary lymphoid organs (SLO). Moreover, immunohistological analysis of immune cell aggregates revealed a lack of SLO-like ELF features, such as cell proliferation, cell death, and germinal center B cell markers. Nonetheless, flow cytometric assessment of B cells within the CNS showed enhanced expression of activation markers, including moderate upregulation of GL7 and expression of the costimulatory molecule CD80. B cell-related chemokines and trophic factors, including APRIL, BAFF, CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL19, and CXCL13, were elevated in the CNS. These results indicate that localization of heterogeneous B cell populations, including activated and isotype-switched B cell phenotypes, to the CNS and intrathecal Ab (ItAb) synthesis can occur independently of SLO-like follicles during chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease.

Class-Switch Recombination Occurs Infrequently in Germinal Centers

Class-switch recombination (CSR) is a DNA recombination process that replaces the immunoglobulin (Ig) constant region for the isotype that can best protect against the pathogen. Dysregulation of CSR can cause self-reactive BCRs and B cell lymphomas; understanding the timing and location of CSR is therefore important. Although CSR commences upon T cell priming, it is generally considered a hallmark of germinal centers (GCs). Here, we have used multiple approaches to show that CSR is triggered prior to differentiation into GC B cells or plasmablasts and is greatly diminished in GCs. Despite finding a small percentage of GC B cells expressing germline transcripts, phylogenetic trees of GC BCRs from secondary lymphoid organs revealed that the vast majority of CSR events occurred prior to the onset of somatic hypermutation. As such, we have demonstrated the existence of IgM-dominated GCs, which are unlikely to occur under the assumption of ongoing switching.

The B Cell Activation-Induced miR-183 Cluster Plays a Minimal Role in Canonical Primary Humoral Responses

Although primary humoral responses are vital to durable immunity, fine-tuning is critical to preventing catastrophes such as autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, and lymphomagenesis. MicroRNA (miRNA)-mediated regulation is particularly well suited for fine-tuning roles in physiology. Expression of clustered paralogous miR-182, miR-96, and miR-183 (collectively, 183c) is robustly induced upon B cell activation, entry into the germinal center, and plasmablast differentiation. 183c^GT/GT mice lacking 183c miRNA expression exhibit largely normal primary humoral responses, encompassing class switch recombination, affinity maturation, and germinal center reaction, as well as plasmablast differentiation. Our rigorous analysis included ex vivo class switch recombination and plasmablast differentiation models as well as in vivo immunization with thymus-dependent and thymus-independent Ags. Our work sways the debate concerning the role of miR-182 in plasmablast differentiation, strongly suggesting that 183c miRNAs are dispensable. In the process, we present a valuable framework for systematic evaluation of primary humoral responses. Finally, our work bolsters the notion of robustness in miRNA:target interaction networks and advocates a paradigm shift in miRNA studies.

Human herpesvirus-encoded kinase induces B cell lymphomas in vivo

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a gammaherpesvirus that is the etiological agent of the endothelial cell cancer Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and 2 B cell lymphoproliferative disorders, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD). KSHV ORF36, also known as viral protein kinase (vPK), is a viral serine/threonine kinase. We previously reported that KSHV vPK enhances cell proliferation and mimics cellular S6 kinase to phosphorylate ribosomal protein S6, a protein involved in protein synthesis. We created a mouse model to analyze the function of vPK in vivo. We believe this is the first mouse tumor model of a viral kinase encoded by a pathogenic human virus. We observed increased B cell activation in the vPK transgenic mice compared with normal mice. We also found that, over time, vPK transgenic mice developed a B cell hyperproliferative disorder and/or a high-grade B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma at a greatly increased incidence compared with littermate controls. This mouse model shows that a viral protein kinase is capable of promoting B cell activation and proliferation as well as augmenting lymphomagenesis in vivo and may therefore contribute to the development of viral cancers.

Polymicrobial sepsis and non-specific immunization induce adaptive immunosuppression to a similar degree

Sepsis is frequently complicated by a state of profound immunosuppression, in its extreme form known as immunoparalysis. We have studied the role of the adaptive immune system in the murine acute peritonitis model. To read out adaptive immunosuppression, we primed post-septic and control animals by immunization with the model antigen TNP-ovalbumin in alum, and measured the specific antibody-responses via ELISA and ELISpot assay as well as T-cell responses in a proliferation assay after restimulation. Specific antibody titers, antibody affinity and plasma cell counts in the bone marrow were reduced in post-septic animals. The antigen-induced splenic proliferation was also impaired. The adaptive immunosuppression was positively correlated with an overwhelming general antibody response to the septic insult. Remarkably, antigen “overload” by non-specific immunization induced a similar degree of adaptive immunosuppression in the absence of sepsis. In both settings, depletion of regulatory T cells before priming reversed some parameters of the immunosuppression. In conclusion, our data show that adaptive immunosuppression occurs independent of profound systemic inflammation and life-threatening illness.

Do Memory B Cells Form Secondary Germinal Centers? Yes and No

Memory is the defining feature of the adaptive immune system. Humoral immune memory is largely though not exclusively generated in the germinal center (GC), which spawns long-lived plasma cells that support ongoing serum antibody titers as well as "memory B cells" (MBCs) that persist in the immune host at expanded frequencies. Upon reencounter with antigen, these MBCs are reactivated and potentially can contribute to protection by further expansion, rapid differentiation to antibody-forming cells, and/or reseeding of a new round of GCs along with somatic V region mutation and selection. Here I will discuss what controls these various potential fates of MBCs and the functional significance of different types of MBC reactivation.

The Deadly Dance of B Cells with Trypanosomatids

B cells are notorious actors for the host's protection against several infectious diseases. So much so that early vaccinology seated its principles upon their long-term protective antibody secretion capabilities. Indeed, there are many examples of acute infectious diseases that are combated by functional humoral responses. However, some chronic infectious diseases actively induce immune deregulations that often lead to defective, if not deleterious, humoral immune responses. In this review we summarize how Leishmania and Trypanosoma spp. directly manipulate B cell responses to induce polyclonal B cell activation, hypergammaglobulinemia, low-specificity antibodies, limited B cell survival, and regulatory B cells, contributing therefore to immunopathology and the establishment of persistent infections.

ONX-0914, a selective inhibitor of immunoproteasome, ameliorates experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis by modulating humoral response

Accumulating evidence shows that the immunoproteasome participates in the immune response, beyond its initial role in the protein degradation. Here, we tested the effects of the selective immunoproteasome inhibitor, ONX-0914, on experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). We found that ONX-0914 ameliorated the severity of ongoing EAMG by reducing the autoantibody affinity, accompanied with decreased Tfh cells and antigen presenting cells. Also it reduced the percentage of Th17 cells and inhibited the secretion of IL-17. Our data indicated ONX-0914 may bring benefit for MG therapy.

The comparative immunology of wild and laboratory mice, Mus musculus domesticus

The laboratory mouse is the workhorse of immunology, used as a model of mammalian immune function, but how well immune responses of laboratory mice reflect those of free-living animals is unknown. Here we comprehensively characterize serological, cellular and functional immune parameters of wild mice and compare them with laboratory mice, finding that wild mouse cellular immune systems are, comparatively, in a highly activated (primed) state. Associations between immune parameters and infection suggest that high level pathogen exposure drives this activation. Moreover, wild mice have a population of highly activated myeloid cells not present in laboratory mice. By contrast, in vitro cytokine responses to pathogen-associated ligands are generally lower in cells from wild mice, probably reflecting the importance of maintaining immune homeostasis in the face of intense antigenic challenge in the wild. These data provide a comprehensive basis for validating (or not) laboratory mice as a useful and relevant immunological model system.

CD22 is required for formation of memory B cell precursors within germinal centers

CD22 is a BCR co-receptor that regulates B cell signaling, proliferation and survival and is required for T cell-independent Ab responses. To investigate the role of CD22 during T cell-dependent (TD) Ab responses and memory B cell formation, we analyzed Ag-specific B cell responses generated by wild-type (WT) or CD22-/- B cells following immunization with a TD Ag. CD22-/- B cells mounted normal early Ab responses yet failed to generate either memory B cells or long-lived plasma cells, whereas WT B cells formed both populations. Surprisingly, B cell expansion and germinal center (GC) differentiation were comparable between WT and CD22-/- B cells. CD22-/- B cells, however, were significantly less capable of generating a population of CXCR4hiCD38hi GC B cells, which we propose represent memory B cell precursors within GCs. These results demonstrate a novel role for CD22 during TD humoral responses evident during primary GC formation and underscore that CD22 functions not only during B cell maturation but also during responses to both TD and T cell-independent antigens.

The Eph-related tyrosine kinase ligand Ephrin-B1 marks germinal center and memory precursor B cells

Identification of germinal center (GC) B cells is typically reliant on the use of surface activation markers that exhibit a wide range of expression. Here, we identify Ephrin-B1, a ligand for Eph-related receptor tyrosine kinases, as a specific marker of mature GC B cells. The number of Ephrin-B1+ GC B cells increases during the course of an immune response with Ephrin-B1+ GC B cells displaying elevated levels of Bcl6, S1pr2, and Aicda relative to their Ephrin-B1- counterparts. We further identified a small proportion of recently dividing, somatically mutated Ephrin-B1+ GC B cells that have begun to down-regulate Bcl6 and S1pr2 and express markers associated with memory B cells, such as CD38 and EBI2. Transcriptional analysis indicates that these cells are developmentally related to memory B cells, and likely represent a population of GC memory precursor (PreMem) B cells. GC PreMem cells display enhanced survival relative to bulk GC B cells, localize near the edge of the GC, and are predominantly found within the light zone. These findings offer insight into the significant heterogeneity that exists within the GC B cell population and provide tools to further dissect signals regulating the differentiation of GC B cells.

Transient Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Blockade during Immunization Heightens Intensity and Breadth of Antigen-specific Antibody Responses in Young and Aged mice

The hallmark of vaccines is their ability to prevent the spread of infectious pathogens and thereby serve as invaluable public health tool. Despite their medical relevance, there is a gap in our understanding of the physiological factors that mediate innate and adaptive immune response to vaccines. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is a critical modulator of homeostasis in vertebrates. Our results indicate that macrophages and dendritic cells produce the endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG) upon antigen activation. We have also established that 2-AG levels are upregulated in the serum and in the lymph node of mice during vaccination. We hypothesized that the intrinsic release of eCBs from immune cells during activation by pathogenic antigens mitigate inflammation, but also suppress overall innate and adaptive immune response. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, that transient administration of the cannabinoid receptor 2 antagonist AM630 (10 mg/kg) or inverse agonist JTE907 (3 mg/kg) during immunization heightens the intensity and breadth of antigen-specific immune responses in young and aged mice through the upregulation of immunomodulatory genes in secondary lymphoid tissues.

Regulation and Maintenance of an Adoptive T-Cell Dependent Memory B Cell Pool

We investigated the ability of monoclonal B cells to restore primary and secondary T-cell dependent antibody responses in adoptive immune-deficient hosts. Priming induced B cell activation and expansion, AID expression, antibody production and the generation of IgM⁺IgG^- and IgM^-IgG⁺ antigen-experienced B-cell subsets that persisted in the lymphopenic environment by cell division. Upon secondary transfer and recall the IgM^-IgG⁺ cells responded by the production of antigen-specific IgG while the IgM⁺ memory cells secreted mainly IgM and little IgG, but generated new B cells expressing germinal center markers. The recall responses were more efficient if the antigenic boost was delayed suggesting that a period of adaptation is necessary before the transferred cells are able to respond. Overall these findings indicate that reconstitution of a functional and complete memory pool requires transfer of all different antigen-experienced B cell subsets. We also found that the size of the memory B cell pool did not rely on the number of the responding naïve B cells, suggesting autonomous homeostatic controls for naïve and memory B cells. By reconstituting a stable memory B cell pool in immune-deficient hosts using a monoclonal high-affinity B cell population we demonstrate the potential value of B cell adoptive immunotherapy.

Synergistic activity of Card11 mutant and Bcl6 in the development of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a mouse model

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of malignant lymphoma; it derives from germinal center B cells. Although DLBCL harbors many genetic alterations, synergistic roles between such alterations in the development of lymphoma are largely undefined. We previously established a mouse model of lymphoma by transplanting gene-transduced germinal center B cells into mice. Here, we chose one of the frequently mutated genes in DLBCL, Card11 mutant, to explore its possible synergy with other genes, using our lymphoma model. Given that BCL6 and BCL2 expression and/or function are often deregulated in human lymphoma, we examined the possible synergy between Card11, Bcl6, and Bcl2. Germinal center B cells were induced in vitro, transduced with Card11 mutant, Bcl6, and Bcl2, and transplanted. Mice rapidly developed lymphomas, with exogenously transduced Bcl2 being dispensable. Although some mice developed lymphoma in the absence of transduced Bcl6, the absence was compensated by elevated expression of endogenous Bcl6. Additionally, the synergy between Card11 mutant and Bcl6 in the development of lymphoma was confirmed by the fact that the combination of Card11 mutant and Bcl6 caused lymphoma or death significantly earlier and with higher penetrance than Card11 mutant or Bcl6 alone. Lymphoma cells expressed interferon regulatory factor 4 and PR domain 1, indicating their differentiation toward plasmablasts, which characterize activated B cell-like DLBCL that represents a clinically aggressive subtype in humans. Thus, our mouse model provides a versatile tool for studying the synergistic roles of altered genes underlying lymphoma development.

Intratumoral injection of a CpG oligonucleotide reverts resistance to PD-1 blockade by expanding multifunctional CD8+ T cells

Despite the impressive rates of clinical response to programmed death 1 (PD-1) blockade in multiple cancers, the majority of patients still fail to respond to this therapy. The CT26 tumor in mice showed similar heterogeneity, with most tumors unaffected by anti-PD-1. As in humans, response of CT26 to anti-PD-1 correlated with increased T- and B-cell infiltration and IFN expression. We show that intratumoral injection of a highly interferogenic TLR9 agonist, SD-101, in anti-PD-1 nonresponders led to a complete, durable rejection of essentially all injected tumors and a majority of uninjected, distant-site tumors. Therapeutic efficacy of the combination was also observed with the TSA mammary adenocarcinoma and MCA38 colon carcinoma tumor models that show little response to PD-1 blockade alone. Intratumoral SD-101 substantially increased leukocyte infiltration and IFN-regulated gene expression, and its activity was dependent on CD8⁺ T cells and type I IFN signaling. Anti-PD-1 plus intratumoral SD-101 promoted infiltration of activated, proliferating CD8⁺ T cells and led to a synergistic increase in total and tumor antigen-specific CD8⁺ T cells expressing both IFN-γ and TNF-α. Additionally, PD-1 blockade could alter the CpG-mediated differentiation of tumor-specific CD8⁺ T cells into CD127^lowKLRG1^high short-lived effector cells, preferentially expanding the CD127^highKLRG1^low long-lived memory precursors. Tumor control and intratumoral T-cell proliferation in response to the combined treatment is independent of T-cell trafficking from secondary lymphoid organs. These findings suggest that a CpG oligonucleotide given intratumorally may increase the response of cancer patients to PD-1 blockade, increasing the quantity and the quality of tumor-specific CD8⁺ T cells.

High affinity IgM(+) memory B cells are generated through a germinal center-dependent pathway

During a T cell-dependent immune response, B cells undergo clonal expansion and selection and the induction of isotype switching and somatic hypermutation (SHM). Although somatically mutated IgM(+) memory B cells have been reported, it has not been established whether they are really high affinity B cells. We tracked (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl) acetyl hapten-specific GC B cells from normal immunized mice based on affinity of their B cell receptor (BCR) and performed BCR sequence analysis. SHM was evident by day 7 postimmunization and increased with time, such that high affinity IgM(+) as well as IgG(+) memory B cells continued to be generated up to day 42. In contrast, class-switch recombination (CSR) was almost completed by day 7 and then the ratio of IgG1(+)/IgM(+) GC B cells remained unchanged. Together these findings suggest that IgM(+) B cells undergo SHM in the GC to generate high affinity IgM(+) memory cells and that this process continues even after CSR is accomplished.

Splenic Dendritic Cells Survey Red Blood Cells for Missing Self-CD47 to Trigger Adaptive Immune Responses

Sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) have long been used as a model antigen for eliciting systemic immune responses, yet the basis for their adjuvant activity has been unknown. Here, we show that SRBCs failed to engage the inhibitory mouse SIRPα receptor on splenic CD4(+) dendritic cells (DCs), and this failure led to DC activation. Removal of the SIRPα ligand, CD47, from self-RBCs was sufficient to convert them into an adjuvant for adaptive immune responses. DC capture of Cd47(-/-) RBCs and DC activation occurred within minutes in a Src-family-kinase- and CD18-integrin-dependent manner. These findings provide an explanation for the adjuvant mechanism of SRBCs and reveal that splenic DCs survey blood cells for missing self-CD47, a process that might contribute to detecting and mounting immune responses against pathogen-infected RBCs.

Responsiveness of B cells is regulated by the hinge region of IgD

Mature B cells express immunoglobulin M (IgM)- and IgD-isotype B cell antigen receptors, but the importance of IgD for B cell function has been unclear. By using a cellular in vitro system and corresponding mouse models, we found that antigens with low valence activated IgM receptors but failed to trigger IgD signaling, whereas polyvalent antigens activated both receptor types. Investigations of the molecular mechanism showed that deletion of the IgD-specific hinge region rendered IgD responsive to monovalent antigen, whereas transferring the hinge to IgM resulted in responsiveness only to polyvalent antigen. Our data suggest that the increased IgD/IgM ratio on conventional B-2 cells is important for preferential immune responses to antigens in immune complexes, and that the increased IgM expression on B-1 cells is essential for B-1 cell homeostasis and function.

All-trans-retinoic acid and CD38 ligation differentially regulate CD1d expression and α-galactosylceramide-induced immune responses

The MHC class-I like molecule CD1d presents glycolipid antigens and thereby activates invariant natural killer-T (NKT) cells. However, little is understood regarding the regulation of its expression. All-trans-retinoic acid (RA) and CD38, which is itself a target of RA, both independently regulate the differentiation of antigen presenting cells. In the current study, we treated human THP-1 cells and murine splenic cells with RA, with and without antibody-mediated ligation of cell-surface CD38. Whereas a physiological concentration (20 nM) of RA alone rapidly and markedly increased CD1d protein in THP-1 cells, there was a marked synergy between RA and ligation of CD38 with antibody to CD38. Moreover, RA and CD38 ligation differentially regulated CD1d protein distribution between the cell surface and intracellular compartments, as, whereas RA mainly increased intracellular CD1d protein, ligation of CD38 increased CD1d protein both at the cell surface and intracellularly. By confocal microscopy, CD1d was located close to the plasma membrane but only partially overlapped with LAMP1, a late endosomes/lysosomal marker. Furthermore, RA and/or CD38 ligation increased splenocyte proliferation and differentiation after treatment with the CD1 ligand α-galactosylceramide (αGalCer), evidenced by an increase in the number of splenic dendritic cells, NKT cells, and germinal center plasmacytes. RA also differentially regulated αGalCer-induced cytokine expression, increasing IL-4 and decreasing IFNγ production by total spleen cells and the NKT cell population. Our results indicate a previously unknown mechanism in which RA and CD38 differentially yet cooperatively regulate CD1d expression and antigen-presenting function, which could be important for the enhancement of immunity.

Germinal center B cell depletion diminishes CD4+ follicular T helper cells in autoimmune mice

Background

Continuous support from follicular CD4⁺ T helper (Tfh) cells drives germinal center (GC) responses, which last for several weeks to produce high affinity memory B cells and plasma cells. In autoimmune Sle1 and NZB/W F1 mice, elevated numbers of Tfh cells persist, promoting the expansion of self-reactive B cells. Expansion of circulating Tfh like cells have also been described in several autoimmune diseases. Although, the signals required for Tfh differentiation have now been well described, the mechanisms that sustain the maintenance of fully differentiated Tfh are less understood. Recent data demonstrate a role for GC B cells for Tfh maintenance after protein immunization.

Methods and Finding

Given the pathogenic role Tfh play in autoimmune disease, we explored whether B cells are required for maintenance of autoreactive Tfh. Our data suggest that the number of mature autoreactive Tfh cells is controlled by GC B cells. Depletion of B cells in Sle1 autoimmune mice leads to a dramatic reduction in Tfh cells. In NZB/W F1 autoimmune mice, similar to the SRBC immunization model, GC B cells support the maintenance of mature Tfh, which is dependent mainly on ICOS. The CD28-associated pathway is dispensable for Tfh maintenance in SRBC immunized mice, but is required in the spontaneous NZB/W F1 model.

Conclusion

These data suggest that mature Tfh cells require signals from GC B cells to sustain their optimal numbers and function in both autoimmune and immunization models. Thus, immunotherapies targeting B cells in autoimmune disease may affect pathogenic Tfh cells.

Virus-encoded microRNAs facilitate gammaherpesvirus latency and pathogenesis in vivo

Gammaherpesviruses, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV, or HHV-8), and murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68, γHV68, or MuHV-4), are B cell-tropic pathogens that each encode at least 12 microRNAs (miRNAs). It is predicted that these regulatory RNAs facilitate infection by suppressing host target genes involved in a wide range of key cellular pathways. However, the precise contribution that gammaherpesvirus miRNAs make to viral life cycle and pathogenesis in vivo is unknown. MHV68 infection of mice provides a highly useful system to dissect the function of specific viral elements in the context of both asymptomatic infection and disease. Here, we report (i) analysis of in vitro and in vivo MHV68 miRNA expression, (ii) generation of an MHV68 miRNA mutant with reduced expression of all 14 pre-miRNA stem-loops, and (iii) comprehensive phenotypic characterization of the miRNA mutant virus in vivo. The profile of MHV68 miRNAs detected in infected cell lines varied with cell type and did not fully recapitulate the profile from cells latently infected in vivo. The miRNA mutant virus, MHV68.Zt6, underwent normal lytic replication in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating that the MHV68 miRNAs are dispensable for acute replication. During chronic infection, MHV68.Zt6 was attenuated for latency establishment, including a specific defect in memory B cells. Finally, MHV68.Zt6 displayed a striking attenuation in the development of lethal pneumonia in mice deficient in IFN-γ. These data indicate that the MHV68 miRNAs may facilitate virus-driven maturation of infected B cells and implicate the miRNAs as a critical determinant of gammaherpesvirus-associated disease.

Gammaherpesviruses such as EBV and KSHV are widespread pathogens that establish lifelong infections and are associated with the development of numerous types of diseases, including cancer. Gammaherpesviruses encode many small noncoding RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs). It is predicted that gammaherpesvirus miRNAs facilitate infection and disease by suppressing host target transcripts involved in a wide range of key cellular pathways; however, the precise contribution that these regulatory RNAs make to in vivo virus infection and pathogenesis is unknown. Here, we generated a mutated form of murine gammaherpesvirus (MHV68) to dissect the function of gammaherpesvirus miRNAs in vivo. We demonstrate that the MHV68 miRNAs were dispensable for short-term virus replication but were important for establishment of lifelong infection in the key virus reservoir of memory B cells. Moreover, the MHV68 miRNAs were essential for the development of virus-associated pneumonia, implicating them as a critical component of gammaherpesvirus-associated disease.

Naive idiotope-specific B and T cells collaborate efficiently in the absence of dendritic cells

Anti-idiotope (anti-Id) Abs have a role in therapy against B cell lymphomas, as inhibitors of pathogenic autoantibodies, and as surrogate Ags for immunization. Despite these observations, the mechanism by which Id(+) Ig generates anti-Id Abs is essentially unknown. To address this issue, we generated a double knock-in mouse that expresses V regions of a somatically mutated anti-Id mAb with intermediate affinity (affinity constant [Ka] = 0.77 × 10(7) M(-1)) for the myeloma protein M315. The anti-Id mice have normal peripheral B cell populations, and allelic exclusion is efficient. Anti-Id B cells from BCR knock-in mice, together with Id-specific CD4(+) T cells from previously established TCR-transgenic mice, enabled us to study Id-specific T cell-B cell collaboration by dilution of transferred cells into syngeneic BALB/c recipients. We show that previously unstimulated (naive) Id-specific B and T cells collaborate efficiently in vivo, even at low frequencies and in the presence of low amounts of Id(+) Ig, resulting in germinal center formation, plasma cell development, and secretion of isotype-switched anti-Id Abs. We further demonstrate that Id-specific T cell-B cell collaboration occurs readily in the absence of adjuvant and is not dependent on Id-presentation by dendritic cells. The results underscore the potency of anti-Id B cells in MHC class II-restricted presentation of Id(+) Ig and suggest that Id-specific T cell-B cell collaboration is of physiological relevance.

Murine complement receptor 1 is required for germinal center B cell maintenance but not initiation

Germinal centers are the anatomic sites for the generation of high affinity immunoglobulin expressing plasma cells and memory B cells. The germinal center B cells that are precursors of these cells circulate between the light zone B cell population that interact with antigen laden follicular dendritic cells (FDC) and the proliferative dark zone B cell population. Antigen retention by follicular dendritic cells is dependent on Fc receptors and complement receptors, and complement receptor 1 (Cr1) is the predominant complement receptor expressed by FDC. The newly created Cr1KO mouse was used to test the effect of Cr1-deficiency on the kinetics of the germinal center reaction and the generation of IgM and switched memory B cell formation. Immunization of Cr1KO mice with a T cell-dependent antigen resulted in the normal initial expansion of B cells with a germinal center phenotype however these cells were preferentially lost in the Cr1KO animal over time (days). Bone marrow chimera animals documented the surprising finding that the loss of germinal center B cell maintenance was linked to the expression of Cr1 on B cells, not the FDC. Cr1-deficiency further resulted in antigen-specific IgM titer and IgM memory B cell reductions, but not antigen-specific IgG after 35-37 days. Investigations of nitrophenyl (NP)-specific IgG demonstrated that Cr1 is not necessary for affinity maturation during the response to particulate antigen. These data, along with those generated in our initial description of the Cr1KO animal describe unique functions of Cr1 on the surface of both B cells and FDC.

Conditional inactivation of p53 in mature B cells promotes generation of nongerminal center-derived B-cell lymphomas

The p53 tumor suppressor exerts a central role in protecting cells from oncogenic transformation. Accordingly, the p53 gene is mutated in a large number of human cancers. In mice, germ-line inactivation of p53 confers strong predisposition to development of different types of malignancies, but the early onset of thymic lymphomas in the majority of the animals prevents detailed studies of tumorigenesis in other tissues. Here, we use the Cre/Lox approach to inactivate p53 in mature B cells in mice (referred to as "CP" B cells) and find that such p53 inactivation results in the routine development of IgM-positive CP peripheral B-cell lymphomas. The CP lymphomas generally appear to arise, even in mice subjected to immunization protocols to activate germinal center reaction, from naive B cells that had not undergone immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain gene class switching or somatic hypermutation. In contrast to thymic lymphomas that arise in p53-deficient mice, which generally lack clonal translocations, nearly all analyzed CP B-cell tumors carried clonal translocations. However, in contrast to spontaneous translocations in other mouse B-cell tumor models, CP B-cell tumor translocations were not recurrent and did not involve Ig loci. Therefore, CP tumors might provide models for human lymphomas lacking Ig translocations, such as splenic marginal zone B-cell lymphoma or Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Our studies indicate that deletion of p53 is sufficient to trigger transformation of mature B cells and support the notion that p53 deficiency may allow accumulation of oncogenic translocations in B cells.

Analysis of cellular phenotype during in vitro immunization of murine splenocytes for generating antigen-specific immunoglobulin

Although various in vitro immunization methods to generate antigen-specific antibodies have been described, a highly effective method that can generate high-affinity immunoglobulins has not yet been reported. Herein, we analyzed a cellular phenotype during in vitro immunization of murine splenocytes for generating antigen-specific immunoglobulins. We identified a combination of T cell-dependent stimuli (IL-4, IL-5, anti-CD38 and anti-CD40 antibodies) plus lipopolysaccharides (LPS) that stimulates antigen-exposed splenocytes in vitro, followed by induction of the cells phenotypically equivalent to germinal center B cells. We also observed that LPS induced high expression levels of mRNA for activation-induced cytidine deaminase. We stimulated antigen-exposed splenocytes, followed by the accumulation of mutations in immunoglobulin genes. From the immunized splenocytes, hybridoma clones secreting antigen-specific immunoglobulins were obtained.

Distinct cellular pathways select germline-encoded and somatically mutated antibodies into immunological memory

B cell memory is generated along two fundamentally distinct cellular differentiation pathways.

One component of memory in the antibody system is long-lived memory B cells selected for the expression of somatically mutated, high-affinity antibodies in the T cell–dependent germinal center (GC) reaction. A puzzling observation has been that the memory B cell compartment also contains cells expressing unmutated, low-affinity antibodies. Using conditional Bcl6 ablation, we demonstrate that these cells are generated through proliferative expansion early after immunization in a T cell–dependent but GC-independent manner. They soon become resting and long-lived and display a novel distinct gene expression signature which distinguishes memory B cells from other classes of B cells. GC-independent memory B cells are later joined by somatically mutated GC descendants at roughly equal proportions and these two types of memory cells efficiently generate adoptive secondary antibody responses. Deletion of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells significantly reduces the generation of mutated, but not unmutated, memory cells early on in the response. Thus, B cell memory is generated along two fundamentally distinct cellular differentiation pathways. One pathway is dedicated to the generation of high-affinity somatic antibody mutants, whereas the other preserves germ line antibody specificities and may prepare the organism for rapid responses to antigenic variants of the invading pathogen.

Pulmonary infection with influenza A virus induces site-specific germinal center and T follicular helper cell responses

Protection from influenza A virus (IAV) challenge requires switched, high affinity Abs derived from long-lived memory B cells and plasma cells. These B cell subsets are generated in germinal centers (GCs), hallmark structures of T helper cell-driven B cell immunity. A full understanding of the GC reaction after respiratory IAV infection is lacking, as is the characterization of T follicular helper (T_FH) cells that support GCs. Here, GC B cell and T_FH cell responses were studied in mice following pulmonary challenge with IAV. Marked GC reactions were induced in draining lymph nodes (dLNs), lung, spleen and nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT), although the magnitude and kinetics of the response was site-specific. Examination of switching within GCs demonstrated IgG2⁺ cells to compose the largest fraction in dLNs, lung and spleen. IgA⁺ GC B cells were infrequent in these sites, but composed a significant subset of the switched GC population in NALT. Further experiments demonstrated splenectomized mice to withstand a lethal recall challenge, suggesting the spleen to be unnecessary for long-term protection in spite of strong GC responses in this organ. Final studies showed that T_FH cell numbers were highest in dLNs and spleen, and peaked in all sites prior to the height of the GC reaction. T_FH cells purified from dLNs generated IL-21 and IFNγ upon activation, although CD4⁺CXCR5⁻ T effector cells produced higher levels of all cytokines. Collectively, these findings reveal respiratory IAV infection to induce strong T helper cell-driven B cell responses in various organs, with each site displaying unique attributes.

Host differences in influenza-specific CD4 T cell and B cell responses are modulated by viral strain and route of immunization

The antibody response to influenza infection is largely dependent on CD4 T cell help for B cells. Cognate signals and secreted factors provided by CD4 T cells drive B cell activation and regulate antibody isotype switching for optimal antiviral activity. Recently, we analyzed HLA-DR1 transgenic (DR1) mice and C57BL/10 (B10) mice after infection with influenza virus A/New Caledonia/20/99 (NC) and defined epitopes recognized by virus-specific CD4 T cells. Using this information in the current study, we demonstrate that the pattern of secretion of IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-4 by CD4 T cells activated by NC infection is largely independent of epitope specificity and the magnitude of the epitope-specific response. Interestingly, however, the characteristics of the virus-specific CD4 T cell and the B cell response to NC infection differed in DR1 and B10 mice. The response in B10 mice featured predominantly IFN-γ-secreting CD4 T cells and strong IgG2b/IgG2c production. In contrast, in DR1 mice most CD4 T cells secreted IL-2 and IgG production was IgG1-biased. Infection of DR1 mice with influenza PR8 generated a response that was comparable to that in B10 mice, with predominantly IFN-γ-secreting CD4 T cells and greater numbers of IgG2c than IgG1 antibody-secreting cells. The response to intramuscular vaccination with inactivated NC was similar in DR1 and B10 mice; the majority of CD4 T cells secreted IL-2 and most IgG antibody-secreting cells produced IgG2b or IgG2c. Our findings identify inherent host influences on characteristics of the virus-specific CD4 T cell and B cell responses that are restricted to the lung environment. Furthermore, we show that these host influences are substantially modulated by the type of infecting virus via the early induction of innate factors. Our findings emphasize the importance of immunization strategy for demonstrating inherent host differences in CD4 T cell and B cell responses.

A germinal center-independent pathway generates unswitched memory B cells early in the primary response

Memory B cells can be produced from the classical germinal center (GC) pathway or a less understood GC-independent route. We used antigen-based cell enrichment to assess the relative contributions of these pathways to the polyclonal memory B cell pool. We identified a CD38(+) GL7(+) B cell precursor population that differentiated directly into IgM(+) or isotype-switched (sw) Ig(+) memory B cells in a GC-independent fashion in response to strong CD40 stimulation. Alternatively, CD38(+) GL7(+) B cell precursors had the potential to become Bcl-6(+) GC cells that then generated primarily swIg(+) memory B cells. These results demonstrate that early IgM(+) and swIg(+) memory B cells are products of a GC-independent pathway, whereas later switched Ig(+) memory B cells are products of GC cells.

Kinetics of humoral and memory B cell response induced by the Plasmodium falciparum 19-kilodalton merozoite surface protein 1 in mice

The 19-kDa carboxyl-terminal fragment of the merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1(19)) has been shown to regulate antibody (Ab)-mediated protective immunity to blood-stage malaria infection. But the serological memory to this antigen tends to be short-lived, and little is known of the mechanisms that regulate the formation of B cell memory to MSP-1(19) antigen. We studied the formation of B cell memory response after immunization with the recombinant 19-kDa Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 (PfMSP-1(19)). Immunization with PfMSP-1(19) resulted in delayed increase in germinal center (GC) B cell numbers. This poor GC reaction correlated with short-lived PfMSP-1(19)-specific antibodies in serum and the short life of PfMSP-1(19)-specific plasma cells and memory B cells (MBCs) in spleen and bone marrow. PfMSP-1(19)-specific MBCs were capable of producing antigen (Ag)-specific Ab-secreting cell (ASC) responses that were short-lived following challenge immunization of the immune mice with antigen or transgenic Plasmodium berghei parasite expressing PfMSP-1(19) in place of native P. berghei MSP-1(19) at 8 weeks after the last immunization or following adoptive transfer into naive hosts. However, no protection was achieved in PfMSP-1(19) immune mice or recipient mice with PfMSP-1(19)-specific MBCs following challenge with transgenic P. berghei. Our findings suggest that PfMSP-1(19)-specific IgG production by short-lived plasma cells combined with the poor ability of the PfMSP-1(19)-induced MBCs to maintain the anamnestic IgG responses failed to contribute to protection against infection.

Magnetic-based purification of untouched mouse germinal center B cells for ex vivo manipulation and biochemical analysis

Detailed biochemical analysis of unmanipulated germinal center (GC) B cells has not been achieved. Previously, we designed and used a simple, economical and new magnetic bead separation scheme for the purification of 'untouched' mature GC and non-GC B cells from the spleens of immunized mice and reported the first biochemical assessment of the signaling cascades that contribute to cyclin D stability and GC B cell proliferation. Here we provide a detailed protocol for the method we used, which involves preparing single-cell suspension from the spleens of immunized mice, followed by labeling of nontarget cells with biotinylated antibodies specific for CD43, CD11c and IgD (for GC enrichment) or GL7 (for non-GC enrichment); these steps are followed by cell depletion using standard magnetic bead technology. This protocol can yield GC and non-GC B cells with purities exceeding 90%. The sorting process can be carried out in ∼1 h and provides a population of GC B cells of sufficient purity and quantity to allow ex vivo manipulation, including biochemical and genetic analysis as well as cell culture.

T regulatory cells participate in the control of germinal centre reactions

Germinal centre (GC) reactions are central features of T-cell-driven B-cell responses, and the site where antibody-producing cells and memory B cells are generated. Within GCs, a range of complex cellular and molecular events occur which are critical for the generation of high affinity antibodies. These processes require exquisite regulation not only to ensure the production of desired antibodies, but to minimize unwanted autoreactive or low affinity antibodies. To assess whether T regulatory (Treg) cells participate in the control of GC responses, immunized mice were treated with an anti-glucocorticoid-induced tumour necrosis factor receptor-related protein (GITR) monoclonal antibody (mAb) to disrupt Treg-cell activity. In anti-GITR-treated mice, the GC B-cell pool was significantly larger compared with control-treated animals, with switched GC B cells composing an abnormally high proportion of the response. Dysregulated GCs were also observed regardless of strain, T helper type 1 or 2 polarizing antigens, and were also seen after anti-CD25 mAb treatment. Within the spleens of immunized mice, CXCR5(+) and CCR7(-) Treg cells were documented by flow cytometry and Foxp3(+) cells were found within GCs using immunohistology. Final studies demonstrated administration of either anti-transforming growth factor-β or anti-interleukin-10 receptor blocking mAb to likewise result in dysregulated GCs, suggesting that generation of inducible Treg cells is important in controlling the GC response. Taken together, these findings indicate that Treg cells contribute to the overall size and quality of the humoral response by controlling homeostasis within GCs.

Characterization of memory B cells responsible for affinity maturation of anti- (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP) antibodies

We searched for memory B cells responsible for high-affinity anti-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP) antibody production by C57BL/6 mice immunized with NP-chicken γ-globulin (CGG), using flow cytometry. We first prepared transfectants expressing B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) of known affinity as a memory B-cell model as well as NP-allophycocyanin (APC) of different NP valences, NP(lo), NP(med) and NP(hi). We then used the latter as probes capable of distinguishing BCR affinities: NP(lo)-APC bound to BCRs with an affinity higher than 3.4 × 10(6) M(-1), while NP(med)-APC bound to those with a higher than germline affinity. B cells capable of binding to NP(lo)-APC appeared in spleens on day 14 post-immunization, and harbored Tyr95 (Tyr95 type) as well as a mutation from Trp33 to Leu. B cells with BCRs harboring Gly95 (Gly95 type) appeared only in the NP(med)-APC-binding fraction on day 56 and in the NP(lo)-APC-binding fraction on day 77, indicating that this long duration was necessary for Gly95 type B cells to acquire high affinity and to become a member of the group of memory B cells with high affinity. Administration of NP-CGG on day 77 caused little change in the proportion of the Gly95 type in NP(lo)-APC-binding B cells in the following 2 weeks but brought about an increase in the number of high-affinity antibody-secreting cells (ASC), suggesting that the memory B-cell compartment established was maintained at a later stage and supplied high-affinity ASCs. The relationship between these Gly95 type memory B cells and ASCs is discussed.