Identification and characterization of autoantibody-producing B220(low) B (B-1) cells appearing in malarial infection

Abstract

Mice with malaria showed unique immunological responses, including the expansion of NK1.1(-)TCR(int) cells (extrathymic T cells). Since TCR(int) cells with autoreactivity and autoantibody-producing B cells (B-1 cells) are often simultaneously activated under autoimmune conditions, it was examined whether B-1 cells were activated in the course of malarial infection. From days 14 after infection, B220(low) B-1 cells appeared in the liver and spleen. The number of B220(low) B cells was highest at day 14, but the ratio was highest at days 28-35. In parallel with the appearance of B220(low) cells, autoantibodies against HEp-2 cells and double-stranded DNA were detected in sera. These B220(low) cells had phenotypes of CD44(high), CD23(-) and CD62L(-). In sharp contrast, conventional B220(high) B cells (B-2 cells) were CD44(low), CD23(+) and CD62L(+). These results suggested that malaria immune responses were not mediated by conventional T and B cells but resembled the responses during autoimmune diseases.