Antiviral memory B cells exhibit enhanced innate immune response facilitated by epigenetic memory

Sci Adv. 2024 Mar 29;10(13):eadk0858. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adk0858. Epub 2024 Mar 29.

Abstract

The long-lasting humoral immunity induced by viral infections or vaccinations depends on memory B cells with greatly increased affinity to viral antigens, which are evolved from germinal center (GC) responses. However, it is unclear whether antiviral memory B cells represent a distinct subset among the highly heterogeneous memory B cell population. Here, we examined memory B cells induced by a virus-mimicking antigen at both transcriptome and epigenetic levels and found unexpectedly that antiviral memory B cells exhibit an enhanced innate immune response, which appeared to be facilitated by the epigenetic memory that is established through the memory B cell development. In addition, T-bet is associated with the altered chromatin architecture and is required for the formation of the antiviral memory B cells. Thus, antiviral memory B cells are distinct from other GC-derived memory B cells in both physiological functions and epigenetic landmarks.

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents
  • B-Lymphocytes*
  • Epigenetic Memory
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Memory B Cells*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents