Genetic control of the B cell response to LPS: opposing effects in peritoneal versus splenic B cell populations

Immunogenetics. 2010 Jan;62(1):41-8. doi: 10.1007/s00251-009-0404-9. Epub 2009 Nov 24.

Abstract

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from gram-negative bacteria activates B cells, enabling them to proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells. This response is critically dependent on the expression of TLR4; but other genes, such as RP105 and MHC class II, have also been shown to contribute to B cell LPS response. Here, we have evaluated the role of genetic control of the B cell response to LPS at the single cell level. We compared the response to LPS of peritoneal cavity (PEC) and splenic B cells on the BALB/c genetic background (LPS-low responder) to those on the C57BL/6J background (LPS-high responder) and their F1 progeny (CB6F1). Both PEC and splenic B cells from B6 exhibited 100% clonal growth in the presence of LPS; whereas, BALB/c PEC and splenic B cells achieved only 50% and 23% clonal growth, respectively. Adding CpG to the LPS stimulus pushed PEC B cell clonal growth in the low responder strain BALB/c up to 90%, showing that the nonresponse to LPS is a specific effect. Surprisingly, PEC B cells on the F1 background behaved as high responders, while splenic B cells behaved as low responders to LPS. The data presented here reveals a previous unsuspected behavior in the genetic control of the B cell response to LPS with an opposing impact in splenic versus peritoneal cavity B cells. These results suggest the existence of an, as yet, unidentified genetic factor exclusively expressed by coelomic B cells that contributes to the control of the LPS signaling pathway in the B lymphocyte.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Crosses, Genetic
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Lipopolysaccharides / immunology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Peritoneum / cytology
  • Peritoneum / immunology*
  • Spleen / cytology*
  • Spleen / immunology

Substances

  • Lipopolysaccharides