Nodal marginal zone B cells in mice: a novel subset with dormant self-reactivity

Sci Rep. 2016 Jun 9:6:27687. doi: 10.1038/srep27687.

Abstract

Marginal zone (MZ) B cells, representing a distinct subset of innate-like B cells, mount rapid T-independent responses to blood-borne antigens. They express low-affinity polyreactive antigen receptors that recognize both foreign and self-structures. The spleen is considered the exclusive site for murine MZ B cells. However, we have here identified B cells with a MZ B-cell phenotype in the subcapsular sinuses of mouse lymph nodes. The nodal MZ (nMZ) B cells display high levels of IgM, costimulators and TLRs, and are represented by naïve and memory cells. The frequency of nMZ B cells is about 1-6% of nodal B cells depending on mouse strain, with higher numbers in older mice and a trend of increased numbers in females. There is a significant expansion of nMZ B cells following immunization with an autoantigen, but not after likewise immunization with a control protein or with the adjuvant alone. The nMZ B cells secrete autoantibodies upon activation and can efficiently present autoantigen to cognate T cells in vitro, inducing T-cell proliferation. The existence of self-reactive MZ B cells in lymph nodes may be a source of autoantigen-presenting cells that in an unfortunate environment may activate T cells leading to autoimmunity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoantigens / immunology
  • Autoimmunity*
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Female
  • Immunoglobulin M / immunology
  • Lymph Nodes / cytology*
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred CBA
  • Mice, Inbred DBA
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / immunology

Substances

  • Autoantigens
  • Immunoglobulin M