Kelch-like protein 14 promotes B-1a but suppresses B-1b cell development

Int Immunol. 2018 Jun 26;30(7):311-318. doi: 10.1093/intimm/dxy033.

Abstract

B-1 cells are innate-like B-cell population and produce natural antibodies that contribute to the first line of host defense. There are two subsets of B-1 cells: B-1a and B-1b. B-1a cells are the main producer of poly-reactive and autoreactive natural IgM antibodies, whereas B-1b cells can respond specifically to T-cell-independent antigens. Despite the functional significance of B-1a and B-1b cells, little information is available about what regulates the development of these two subsets. We found that Kelch-like protein 14 (KLHL14) was expressed at high levels in B cells but only at low levels in a few non-lymphoid tissues. Although mice lacking KLHL14 died right after birth, the heterozygotes developed normally with no gross abnormalities by appearance. B-cell development in the bone marrow and maturation and activation in the spleen were not affected in the heterozygous mice. However, the number of peritoneal B-1a cells was significantly reduced while B-1b cells were increased in Klhl14 heterozygous mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Consistently, Rag1-/- mice reconstituted with Klhl14-/- fetal liver cells had a more severe reduction of B-1a and an increase of B-1b cells in the peritoneal cavity. KLHL14 did not affect the turnover or apoptosis of B-1a and B-1b cells in vivo. Moreover, Klhl14-/- fetal liver contained a similar proportion and absolute numbers of the B-1 progenitor cells as did WT fetal liver. These results suggest that KLHL14 promotes B-1a development in mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology*
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / chemistry
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / deficiency
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Klhl14 protein, mouse
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins