Visualization of specific B and T lymphocyte interactions in the lymph node

Signaling by the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily in B-cell biology and disease

Members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) participate prominently in B-cell maturation and function. In particular, B-cell activating factor belonging to the TNF family receptor (BAFF-R), B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), and transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) play critical roles in promoting B-cell survival at distinct stages of development by engaging a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and/or BAFF. CD40 is also essential for directing the humoral response to T-cell-dependent antigens. Signaling by the TNFRSF is mediated primarily, albeit not exclusively, via the TNFR-associated factor (TRAF) proteins and activation of the canonical and/or non-canonical nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways. Dysregulated signaling by TNFRSF members can promote B-cell survival and proliferation, causing autoimmunity and neoplasia. In this review, we present a current understanding of the functions of and distinctions between APRIL/BAFF signaling by their respective receptors expressed on particular B-cell subsets. These findings are compared and contrasted with CD40 signaling, which employs similar signaling conduits to achieve distinct cellular outcomes in the context of the germinal center response. We also underscore how new findings and conceptual insights into TNFRSF signaling are facilitating the understanding of B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases.

Asymmetric segregation of polarized antigen on B cell division shapes presentation capacity

During the activation of humoral immune responses, B cells acquire antigen for subsequent presentation to cognate T cells. Here we show that after mouse B cells accumulate antigen, it is maintained in a polarized distribution for extended periods in vivo. Using high-throughput imaging flow cytometry, we observed that this polarization is preserved during B cell division, promoting asymmetric antigen segregation among progeny. Antigen inheritance correlates with the ability of progeny to activate T cells: Daughter cells receiving larger antigen stores exhibit a prolonged capacity to present antigen, which renders them more effective in competing for T cell help. The generation of progeny with differential capacities for antigen presentation may have implications for somatic hypermutation and class switching during affinity maturation and as B cells commit to effector cell fates.

Translational Mini-Review Series on B cell subsets in disease. B cells in multiple sclerosis: drivers of disease pathogenesis and Trojan horse for Epstein-Barr virus entry to the central nervous system?

The recent success of therapies directed at B cells has highlighted their potential as central players in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Exciting new data showed that B cell depletion led to reduced clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of disease activity. However, the mechanisms of action remain unknown, but could involve autoantibody production, antigen presentation and/or cytokine production by B cells. Another exciting line of investigation in the field of MS comes from latent infection of memory B cells by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). These cells are hijacked as 'Trojan horses' and 'smuggle' the virus into the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, these new anti B cell treatments will also be likely to have anti-viral effects. We briefly review recent findings in the field of MS pathogenesis, and highlight promising new targets for therapeutic intervention in MS.

Complementary costimulation of human T-cell subpopulations by cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28) and CD81

Cluster of differentiation 81 (CD81) is a widely expressed tetraspanin molecule that physically associates with CD4 and CD8 on the surface of human T cells. Coengagement of CD81 and CD3 results in the activation and proliferation of T cells. CD81 also costimulated mouse T cells that lack CD28, suggesting either a redundant or a different mechanism of action. Here we show that CD81 and CD28 have a preference for different subsets of T cells: Primary human naïve T cells are better costimulated by CD81, whereas the memory T-cell subsets and Tregs are better costimulated by CD28. The more efficient activation of naïve T cells by CD81 was due to prolonged signal transduction compared with that by CD28. We found that IL-6 played a role in the activation of the naïve T-cell subset by CD81. Combined costimulation through both CD28 and CD81 resulted in an additive effect on T-cell activation. Thus, these two costimulatory molecules complement each other both in the strength of signal transduction and in T-cell subset inclusions. Costimulation via CD81 might be useful for expansion of T cells for adoptive immunotherapy to allow the inclusion of naïve T cells with their broad repertoire.

Innate lymphoid cells: emerging insights in development, lineage relationships, and function

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are immune cells that lack a specific antigen receptor yet can produce an array of effector cytokines that in variety match that of T helper cell subsets. ILCs function in lymphoid organogenesis, tissue remodeling, antimicrobial immunity, and inflammation, particularly at barrier surfaces. Their ability to promptly respond to insults inflicted by stress-causing microbes strongly suggests that ILCs are critical in first-line immunological defenses. Here, we review current data on developmental requirements, lineage relationships, and effector functions of two families of ILCs: (a) Rorγt-expressing cells involved in lymphoid tissue formation, mucosal immunity, and inflammation and (b) type 2 ILCs that are important for helminth immunity. We also discuss the potential roles of ILCs in the pathology of immune-mediated inflammatory and infectious diseases including allergy.

Resolution of infection promotes a state of dormancy and long survival of CD4 memory T cells

Memory T cells survive throughout the lifetime of an individual and are protective upon recall. It is not clear how memory T cells can live so long. Here, we demonstrate that at the resolution of a viral infection, low levels of antigen are captured by B cells and presented to specific CD4(+) memory T cells to render a state of unresponsiveness. We demonstrate in two systems that this process occurs naturally during the fall of antigen and is associated with a global gene expression program initiated with the clearance of antigen. Our study suggests that in the absence of antigen, a state of dormancy associated with low-energy utilization and proliferation can help memory CD4(+) T cells to survive nearly throughout the lifetime of mice. The dormant CD4(+) memory T cells become activated by stimulatory signals generated by a subsequent infection. We propose that quiescence might be a mechanism necessary to regulate long-term survival of CD4 memory T cells and to prevent cross-reactivity to self, hence autoimmunity.

Tolerogenic function of Blimp-1 in dendritic cells

Blimp-1 has been identified as a key regulator of plasma cell differentiation in B cells and effector/memory function in T cells. We demonstrate that Blimp-1 in dendritic cells (DCs) is required to maintain immune tolerance in female but not male mice. Female mice lacking Blimp-1 expression in DCs (DCBlimp-1(ko)) or haploid for Blimp-1 expression exhibit normal DC development but an altered DC function and develop lupus-like autoantibodies. Although DCs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of lupus, a defect in DC function has not previously been shown to initiate the disease process. Blimp-1(ko) DCs display increased production of IL-6 and preferentially induce differentiation of follicular T helper cells (T(FH) cells) in vitro. In vivo, the expansion of T(FH) cells is associated with an enhanced germinal center (GC) response and the development of autoreactivity. These studies demonstrate a critical role for Blimp-1 in the tolerogenic function of DCs and show that a diminished expression of Blimp-1 in DCs can result in aberrant activation of the adaptive immune system with the development of a lupus-like serology in a gender-specific manner. This study is of particular interest because a polymorphism of Blimp-1 associates with SLE.

The role of the lymphatic system in vaccine trafficking and immune response

The development and improvement of vaccines has been a significant endeavor on the part of the medical community for more than the last two centuries, and the success of these efforts is obvious when one considers the millions of lives that have been saved. Recent work in the field of vaccines, however, indicates that vaccines may be developed for even more challenging diseases than those previously addressed. It will be important in achieving this feat to account for the physical and chemical processes related to vaccine trafficking, rather than solely relying on our knowledge of the pathogen and our empirical experience. A thorough understanding of the lymphatic system is essential considering the role it plays in antigen trafficking and all immunological activity. This review describes the results of recent work that provides insight into the physiological processes of the lymphatic system and its various components with an emphasis on vaccine antigen trafficking from the administration site to secondary lymphoid tissues and the ensuing immune response. The review also discusses current challenges in designing vaccines and presents modern strategies for designing vaccines to better interface with the lymphatic system.

Desmoglein 3-specific CD4+ T cells induce pemphigus vulgaris and interface dermatitis in mice

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a severe autoimmune disease involving blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. It is caused by autoantibodies against desmoglein 3 (Dsg3), an adhesion molecule critical for maintaining epithelial integrity in the skin, oral mucosa, and esophagus. Knowing the antigen targeted by the autoantibodies renders PV a valuable model of autoimmunity. Recently, a role for Dsg3-specific CD4+ T helper cells in autoantibody production was demonstrated in a mouse model of PV, but whether these cells exert cytotoxicity in the tissues is unclear. Here, we analyzed 3 Dsg3-specific TCRs using transgenic mice and retrovirus induction. Dsg3-specific transgenic (Dsg3H1) T cells underwent deletion in the presence of Dsg3 in vivo. Dsg3H1 T cells that developed in the absence of Dsg3 elicited a severe pemphigus-like phenotype when cotransferred into immunodeficient mice with B cells from Dsg3-/- mice. Strikingly, in addition to humoral responses, T cell infiltration of Dsg3-expressing tissues led to interface dermatitis, a distinct form of T cell-mediated autoimmunity that causes keratinocyte apoptosis and is seen in various inflammatory/autoimmune skin diseases, including paraneoplastic pemphigus. The use of retrovirally generated Dsg3-specific T cells revealed that interface dermatitis occurred in an IFN-γ- and TCR avidity-dependent manner. This model of autoimmunity demonstrates that T cells specific for a physiological skin-associated autoantigen are capable of inducing interface dermatitis and should provide a valuable tool for further exploring the immunopathophysiology of T cell-mediated skin diseases.

Human tonsil B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6)-expressing CD4+ T-cell subset specialized for B-cell help outside germinal centers

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells represent a Th subset engaged in the help of B-cell responses in germinal centers (GCs). Tfh cells abundantly express the transcription repressor B-cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl6), a factor that is necessary and sufficient for their development in vivo. Whether Tfh or Tfh-committed cells are involved in the help of B cells outside GCs remains unclear, particularly in humans. In this study, we identified a previously undefined BCL6-expressing CD4(+) T-cell subset in human tonsils. This subset expressed IL-7 receptor and chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5) and inducible costimulator (ICOS) at low levels (CXCR5(lo)ICOS(lo)), and it was found exclusively outside GCs. CXCR5(lo)ICOS(lo) CD4(+) T cells secreted larger amounts of IL-21 and IL-10 than CXCR5(hi)ICOS(hi) GC-Tfh cells upon activation, and they induced proliferation and differentiation of naïve B cells into Ig-producing cells more efficiently than GC-Tfh cells. However, this subset lacked the capacity to help GC-B cells because of the induction of apoptosis of GC-B cells through the FAS/FAS-ligand interaction. CXCR5(lo)ICOS(lo) CD4(+) T cells expressed equivalent amounts of BCL6 transcript with CXCR5(hi)ICOS(hi) GC-Tfh cells, but they expressed less Bcl6 protein. Collectively, our study indicates that CXCR5(lo)ICOS(lo) CD4(+) T cells in human tonsils represent Tfh lineage-committed cells that provide help to naïve and memory B cells outside GCs.

Putative existence of reciprocal dialogue between Tfh and B cells and its impact on infectious and autoimmune disease

The evolution of the immune system to combat infectious disease is inextricably linked to the concomitant risk of autoimmunity. Central to the immune response in both scenarios is T cell-dependent antibody production. Thus, understanding the fundamentals of this process has important applications in both infectious and autoimmune or inflammatory disease. Recently, considerable attention has been paid to Tfh cells in this process both in terms of how they are generated and what role they play in antibody responses via their transit into the B cell follicle. However, there has been relatively little focus on what this mobilization to the follicle does for the Tfh cell. Thus in this article we review the current literature on Tfh cells in infection, autoimmunity and inflammatory disease and also highlight areas of controversy, with a particular focus on the potential importance of the follicular environment for T cell differentiation and function.

Germinal center B cell and T follicular helper cell development initiates in the interfollicular zone

We identify the interfollicular (IF) zone as the site where germinal center B cell and T follicular helper (Tfh) cell differentiation initiates. For the first 2 days postimmunization, antigen-specific T and B cells remained confined within the IF zone, formed long-lived interactions, and upregulated the transcriptional repressor Bcl6. T cells also acquired the Tfh cell markers CXCR5, PD-1, and GL7. Responding B and T cells migrated to the follicle interior directly from the IF zone, T cell immigration preceding B cells by 1 day. Notably, in the absence of cognate B cells, Tfh cells still formed and migrated to the follicle. However, without such B cells, PD-1, ICOS, and GL7 were no longer expressed on follicular Bcl6(hi) T cells that nevertheless persisted in the follicle. Thus, Ag-specific B cells are required for the maintenance of the PD-1(hi)ICOS(hi)GL7(hi) Tfh cell phenotype within the follicle, but not for their initial differentiation in the IF zone.

Follicular helper CD4 T cells (TFH)

T cell help to B cells is a fundamental aspect of adaptive immunity and the generation of immunological memory. Follicular helper CD4 T (T(FH)) cells are the specialized providers of B cell help. T(FH) cells depend on expression of the master regulator transcription factor Bcl6. Distinguishing features of T(FH) cells are the expression of CXCR5, PD-1, SAP (SH2D1A), IL-21, and ICOS, among other molecules, and the absence of Blimp-1 (prdm1). T(FH) cells are important for the formation of germinal centers. Once germinal centers are formed, T(FH) cells are needed to maintain them and to regulate germinal center B cell differentiation into plasma cells and memory B cells. This review covers T(FH) differentiation, T(FH) functions, and human T(FH) cells, discussing recent progress and areas of uncertainty or disagreement in the literature, and it debates the developmental relationship between T(FH) cells and other CD4 T cell subsets (Th1, Th2, Th17, iTreg).

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase and aberrant germinal center selection in the development of humoral autoimmunities

Humoral immunity, which is the branch of the immune system governed by B cells, protects the body from extracellular pathogens through the secretion of immunoglobulins. Given the unpredictability of exogenous antigens, B cells must be accommodating to numerous genetic alterations to mold immunoglobulin specificity to recognize offending pathogens. Abnormalities in this process leave the host susceptible to permanent pathological modifications and in particular humoral autoimmunities in which secreted immunoglobulins mistake host proteins as pathogenic targets. Underlying the development of self-reactive immunoglobulins is activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), a mutagenic enzyme responsible for modifying the specificity of B cells by producing point mutations at the immunoglobulin gene locus. Ideally, these mutations result in an increased affinity for exogenous antigens. However, in pathological scenarios, these mutations produce or enhance a B cell's ability to target the host. AID-induced mutations occur in the germinal center microenvironment of peripheral lymphoid tissue, where pathogenic B-cell clones must evade overwhelming selection pressures to be released systemically. Recent research has revealed numerous genes and pathways responsible for eliminating self-reactive clones within the germinal center. On the basis of these studies, this review aims to clarify the link between AID and the generation of pathogenic immunoglobulins. Furthermore, it describes the selective pressures that pathogenic B cells must bypass within the germinal center to secrete immunoglobulins that ultimately result in disease.

A dynamic T cell-limited checkpoint regulates affinity-dependent B cell entry into the germinal center

Entry into the germinal center requires antigen-bearing B cells to compete for cognate T cell help at the T–B border.

The germinal center (GC) reaction is essential for the generation of the somatically hypermutated, high-affinity antibodies that mediate adaptive immunity. Entry into the GC is limited to a small number of B cell clones; however, the process by which this limited number of clones is selected is unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that low-affinity B cells intrinsically capable of seeding a GC reaction fail to expand and become activated in the presence of higher-affinity B cells even before GC coalescence. Live multiphoton imaging shows that selection is based on the amount of peptide–major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) presented to cognate T cells within clusters of responding B and T cells at the T–B border. We propose a model in which T cell help is restricted to the B cells with the highest amounts of pMHC, thus allowing for a dynamic affinity threshold to be imposed on antigen-binding B cells.

Importance of B cell co-stimulation in CD4(+) T cell differentiation: X-linked agammaglobulinaemia, a human model

We were interested in the question of whether the congenital lack of B cells actually had any influence on the development of the T cell compartment in patients with agammaglobulinaemia. Sixteen patients with X-linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA) due to mutations in Btk, nine patients affected by common variable immune deficiency (CVID) with <2% of peripheral B cells and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled. The T cell phenotype was determined with FACSCalibur and CellQuest Pro software. Mann-Whitney two-tailed analysis was used for statistical analysis. The CD4 T cell memory compartment was reduced in patients with XLA of all ages. This T cell subset encompasses both CD4(+)CD45RO(+) and CD4(+)CD45RO(+)CXCR5(+) cells and both subsets were decreased significantly when compared to healthy controls: P = 0·001 and P < 0·0001, respectively. This observation was confirmed in patients with CVID who had <2% B cells, suggesting that not the lack of Bruton's tyrosine kinase but the lack of B cells is most probably the cause of the impaired CD4 T cell maturation. We postulate that this defect is a correlate of the observed paucity of germinal centres in XLA. Our results support the importance of the interplay between B and T cells in the germinal centre for the activation of CD4 T cells in humans.

Stimulation-dependent induction of CD154 on a subset of CD4+ FoxP3+ T-regulatory cells

CD40-ligand/CD154 is predominantly expressed on activated CD4 T cells and plays a central role in regulating CD4 T-cell-dependent responses. To define the relative abilities of CD4 T-cell functional subsets in the induction of CD154--specifically FoxP3- effector, versus FoxP3+ regulatory, CD4 T cells--multiple CD4 T cell preparations were isolated from B6 and B6.FoxP3-GFP mice and stimulated in vitro to examine the kinetics of stimulation-dependent CD154 expression. CD154 was induced in 40-60% of total CD4 T cells in various cell preparations. However, despite similar kinetics of CD154-induced expression, the average percentage of CD154 expression among CD4+ FoxP3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells was only about 4-9%. Such differential, stimulation-dependent CD154 induction by total CD4+ T cells versus CD4+ FoxP3+ Treg cells was consistent, despite multiple stimulation conditions utilizing a variety of cell preparations of different composition. Similar induction of CD154 occurred irrespective of whether the CD4+ FoxP3+ Treg cells were first sorted to 98% purity and stimulated in vitro alone, or stimulated as non-purified cells in the presence of CD4+ FoxP3- T effector cells, suggesting that CD154 induction by CD4+ FoxP3+ Treg cells is regulated by cell-intrinsic mechanisms. Differential CD154 induction may be a key factor in determining the distinguishable functions of FoxP3- T-effector, versus FoxP3+ Treg, CD4+ T cells.

Stimulation-dependent induction of CD154 on a subset of CD4+ FoxP3+ T-regulatory cells

CD40-ligand/CD154 is predominantly expressed on activated CD4 T cells and plays a central role in regulating CD4 T-cell-dependent responses. To define the relative abilities of CD4 T-cell functional subsets in the induction of CD154--specifically FoxP3- effector, versus FoxP3+ regulatory, CD4 T cells--multiple CD4 T cell preparations were isolated from B6 and B6.FoxP3-GFP mice and stimulated in vitro to examine the kinetics of stimulation-dependent CD154 expression. CD154 was induced in 40-60% of total CD4 T cells in various cell preparations. However, despite similar kinetics of CD154-induced expression, the average percentage of CD154 expression among CD4+ FoxP3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells was only about 4-9%. Such differential, stimulation-dependent CD154 induction by total CD4+ T cells versus CD4+ FoxP3+ Treg cells was consistent, despite multiple stimulation conditions utilizing a variety of cell preparations of different composition. Similar induction of CD154 occurred irrespective of whether the CD4+ FoxP3+ Treg cells were first sorted to 98% purity and stimulated in vitro alone, or stimulated as non-purified cells in the presence of CD4+ FoxP3- T effector cells, suggesting that CD154 induction by CD4+ FoxP3+ Treg cells is regulated by cell-intrinsic mechanisms. Differential CD154 induction may be a key factor in determining the distinguishable functions of FoxP3- T-effector, versus FoxP3+ Treg, CD4+ T cells.

CXCR5 expressing human central memory CD4 T cells and their relevance for humoral immune responses

High expression of CXCR5 is one of the defining hallmarks of T follicular helper cells (T(FH)), a CD4 Th cell subset that promotes germinal center reactions and the selection and affinity maturation of B cells. CXCR5 is also expressed on 20-25% of peripheral blood human central memory CD4 T cells (T(CM)), although the definitive function of these cells is not fully understood. The constitutive expression of CXCR5 on T(FH) cells and a fraction of circulating T(CM) suggests that CXCR5(+) T(CM) may represent a specialized subset of memory-type T(FH) cells programmed for homing to follicles and providing B cell help. To verify this assumption, we analyzed this cell population and show its specialized function in supporting humoral immune responses. Compared with their CXCR5(-) T(CM) counterparts, CXCR5(+) T(CM) expressed high levels of the chemokine CXCL13 and efficiently induced plasma cell differentiation and Ig secretion. We found that the distinct B cell helper qualities of CXCR5(+) T(CM) were mainly due to high ICOS expression and pronounced responsiveness to ICOS ligand costimulation together with large IL-10 secretion. Furthermore, B cell helper attributes of CXCR5(+) T(CM) were almost exclusively acquired on cognate interaction with B cells, but not with dendritic cells. This implies that a preferential recruitment of circulating CXCR5(+) T(CM) to CXCL13-rich B cell follicles is required for the promotion of a quick and efficient protective secondary humoral immune response. Taken together, we propose that CXCR5(+) T(CM) represent a distinct memory cell subset specialized in supporting Ab-mediated immune responses.

Using an agent-based model to analyze the dynamic communication network of the immune response

Background

The immune system behaves like a complex, dynamic network with interacting elements including leukocytes, cytokines, and chemokines. While the immune system is broadly distributed, leukocytes must communicate effectively to respond to a pathological challenge. The Basic Immune Simulator 2010 contains agents representing leukocytes and tissue cells, signals representing cytokines, chemokines, and pathogens, and virtual spaces representing organ tissue, lymphoid tissue, and blood. Agents interact dynamically in the compartments in response to infection of the virtual tissue. Agent behavior is imposed by logical rules derived from the scientific literature. The model captured the agent-to-agent contact history, and from this the network topology and the interactions resulting in successful versus failed viral clearance were identified. This model served to integrate existing knowledge and allowed us to examine the immune response from a novel perspective directed at exploiting complex dynamics, ultimately for the design of therapeutic interventions.

Results

Analyzing the evolution of agent-agent interactions at incremental time points from identical initial conditions revealed novel features of immune communication associated with successful and failed outcomes. There were fewer contacts between agents for simulations ending in viral elimination (win) versus persistent infection (loss), due to the removal of infected agents. However, early cellular interactions preceded successful clearance of infection. Specifically, more Dendritic Agent interactions with TCell and BCell Agents, and more BCell Agent interactions with TCell Agents early in the simulation were associated with the immune win outcome. The Dendritic Agents greatly influenced the outcome, confirming them as hub agents of the immune network. In addition, unexpectedly high frequencies of Dendritic Agent-self interactions occurred in the lymphoid compartment late in the loss outcomes.

Conclusions

An agent-based model capturing several key aspects of complex system dynamics was used to study the emergent properties of the immune response to viral infection. Specific patterns of interactions between leukocyte agents occurring early in the response significantly improved outcome. More interactions at later stages correlated with persistent inflammation and infection. These simulation experiments highlight the importance of commonly overlooked aspects of the immune response and provide insight into these processes at a resolution level exceeding the capabilities of current laboratory technologies.

A case for regulatory B cells in controlling the severity of autoimmune-mediated inflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered to be a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease that results in the presence of inflammatory lesions/plaques associated with mononuclear cell infiltrates, demyelination and axonal damage within the central nervous system (CNS). To date, FDA approved therapies in MS are thought to largely function by modulation of the immune response. Since autoimmune responses require many arms of the immune system, the direct cellular mechanisms of action of MS therapeutics are not definitively known. The mouse model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), has been instrumental in deciphering the mechanism of action of MS drugs. In addition, EAE has been widely used to study the contribution of individual components of the immune system in CNS autoimmunity. In this regard, the role of B cells in EAE has been studied in mice deficient in B cells due to genetic ablation and following depletion with a B cell-targeted monoclonal antibody (mAb) (anti-CD20). Both strategies have indicated that B cells regulate the extent of EAE clinical disease and in their absence disease is exacerbated. Thus a new population of "regulatory B cells" has emerged. One reoccurring component of regulatory B cell function is the production of IL-10, a pleiotropic cytokine with potent anti-inflammatory properties. B cell depletion has also indicated that B cells, in particular antibody production, play a pathogenic role in EAE. B cell depletion in MS using a mAb to CD20 (rituximab) has shown promising results. In this review, we will discuss the current thinking on the role of B cells in MS drawing from knowledge gained in EAE studies and clinical trials using therapeutics that target B cells.

Laser scanning cytometry: capturing the immune system in situ

Until recently, it has not been possible to image and functionally correlate the key molecular and cellular events underpinning immunity and tolerance in the intact immune system. Certainly, the field has been revolutionized by the advent of tetramers to identify physiologically relevant specificities of T cells, and the introduction of models in which transgenic T-cell receptor and/or B-cell receptor-bearing lymphocytes are adoptively transferred into normal mice and can then be identified by clonotype-specific antibodies using flow cytometry in vitro, or immunohistochemistry ex vivo. However, these approaches do not allow for quantitative analysis of the precise anatomical, phenotypic, signaling, and functional parameters required for dissecting the development of immune responses in health and disease in vivo. Traditionally, assessment of signal transduction pathways has required biochemical or molecular biological analysis of isolated and highly purified subsets of immune system cells. Inevitably, this creates potential artifacts and does not allow identification of the key signaling events for individual cells present in their microenvironment in situ. These difficulties have now been overcome by new methodologies in cell signaling analysis that are sufficiently sensitive to detect signaling events occurring in individual cells in situ and the development of technologies such as laser scanning cytometry that provide the tools to analyze physiologically relevant interactions between molecules and cells of the innate and the adaptive immune system within their natural environmental niche in vivo.

TNF receptor-1 is required for the formation of splenic compartments during adult, but not embryonic life

Lymphotoxin β-receptor (LTβR) and TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1) are important for the development of secondary lymphoid organs during embryonic life. The significance of LTβR and TNFR1 for the formation of lymphoid tissue during adult life is not well understood. Immunohistochemistry, morphometry, flow cytometry, and laser microdissection were used to compare wild-type, LTβR(-/-), TNFR1(-/-) spleens with splenic tissue that has been newly formed 8 wk after avascular implantation into adult mice. During ontogeny, LTβR is sufficient to induce formation of the marginal zone, similar-sized T and B cell zones, and a mixed T/B cell zone that completely surrounded the T cell zone. Strikingly, in adult mice, the formation of splenic compartments required both LTβR and TNFR1 expression, demonstrating that the molecular requirements for lymphoid tissue formation are different during embryonic and adult life. Thus, interfering with the TNFR1 pathway offers the possibility to selectively block the formation of ectopic lymphoid tissue and at the same time to spare secondary lymphoid organs such as spleen and lymph nodes. This opens a new perspective for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Unique properties of memory B cells of different isotypes

Memory antibody responses are typically seen to T-cell-dependent antigens and are characterized by the rapid production of high titers of high-affinity antigen-specific antibody. The hallmark of T-cell-dependent memory B cells is their expression of a somatically mutated, isotype-switched B-cell antigen receptor, features that are mainly generated in germinal centers. Classical studies have focused on isotype-switched memory B cells (mainly IgG isotype) and demonstrated their unique intrinsic properties in terms of localization and responsiveness to antigen re-exposure. However, recent advances in monitoring antigen-experienced B cells have revealed the considerable heterogeneity of memory B cells, which include unswitched IgM(+) and/or unmutated memory B cells. The IgM and IgG type memory B cells reside in distinct locations and appear to possess distinct origins and effector functions, together orchestrating humoral memory responses.

Antigen presentation to B cells

B cells are capable of mounting responses to a bewildering range of potentially pathogenic antigens through the production of high-affinity antibodies and the establishment of immunological memory. Thus, regulated B-cell activation is critical for protection against a variety of bacterial and viral infections, as well as cancers. Here, we discuss a number of recent imaging studies that have provided new insights into the variety of mechanisms by which B-cell activation is initiated in the lymph node in vivo.

Constitutive canonical NF-κB activation cooperates with disruption of BLIMP1 in the pathogenesis of activated B cell-like diffuse large cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) comprises disease entities with distinct genetic profiles, including germinal center B cell (GCB)-like and activated B cell (ABC)-like DLBCLs. Major differences between these two subtypes include genetic aberrations leading to constitutive NF-κB activation and interference with terminal B cell differentiation through BLIMP1 inactivation, observed in ABC- but not GCB-DLBCL. Using conditional gain-of-function and/or loss-of-function mutagenesis in the mouse, we show that constitutive activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway cooperates with disruption of BLIMP1 in the development of a lymphoma that resembles human ABC-DLBCL. Our work suggests that both NF-κB signaling, as an oncogenic event, and BLIMP1, as a tumor suppressor, play causal roles in the pathogenesis of ABC-DLBCL.

Plasma cells negatively regulate the follicular helper T cell program

B lymphocytes differentiate into antibody-secreting cells under the antigen-specific control of follicular helper T cells (T(FH) cells). Here we demonstrate that isotype-switched plasma cells expressed major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86, and the intracellular machinery required for antigen presentation. Antigen-specific plasma cells accessed, processed and presented sufficient antigen in vivo to induce multiple helper T cell functions. Notably, antigen-primed plasma cells failed to induce interleukin 21 (IL-21) or the transcriptional repressor Bcl-6 in naive helper T cells and actively decreased these key molecules in antigen-activated T(FH) cells. Mice lacking plasma cells showed altered T(FH) cell activity, which provided evidence of this negative feedback loop. Hence, antigen presentation by plasma cells defines a previously unknown layer of cognate regulation that limits the antigen-specific T(FH) cell program that controls ongoing B cell immunity.

The role of SAP and SLAM family molecules in the humoral immune response

Effective B cell-mediated immunity, including the formation of germinal centers and the generation of high-affinity memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells, is dependent on CD4(+) T cells. Immunodeficiencies that present with defects in the antibody response have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of B cell responses and the provision of T cell help. One such immunodeficiency is X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP), which results from mutations in SH2D1A, the gene encoding SLAM-associated protein (SAP). Patients with XLP present with humoral defects characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia. We now know that SAP, through its signaling downstream of multiple members of the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) family of cell surface receptors, plays a crucial role in many aspects of this immune response. Here, we discuss the role of SAP in the generation of humoral immunity, particularly T cell-dependent antibody responses and the generation of germinal centers.

Finding the right niche: B-cell migration in the early phases of T-dependent antibody responses

Humoral immune responses depend on B cells encountering antigen, interacting with helper T cells, proliferating and differentiating into low-affinity plasma cells or, after organizing into a germinal center (GC), high-affinity plasma cells and memory B cells. Remarkably, each of these events occurs in association with distinct stromal cells in separate subcompartments of the lymphoid tissue. B cells must migrate from niche to niche in a rapid and highly regulated manner to successfully mount a response. The chemokine, CXCL13, plays a central role in guiding B cells to follicles whereas T-zone chemokines guide activated B cells to the T zone. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) promotes cell egress from the tissue, as well as marginal-zone B-cell positioning in the spleen. Recent studies have identified a role for the orphan receptor, EBV-induced molecule 2 (EBI2; GPR183), in guiding activated B cells to inter and outer follicular niche(s) and down-regulation of this receptor is essential for organizing cells into GCs. In this review, we discuss current understanding of the roles played by chemokines, S1P and EBI2 in the migration events that underlie humoral immune responses.

CCR2 identifies a stable population of human effector memory CD4+ T cells equipped for rapid recall response

Because T cells act primarily through short-distance interactions, homing receptors can identify colocalizing cells that serve common functions. Expression patterns for multiple chemokine receptors on CD4(+) T cells from human blood suggested a hierarchy of receptors that are induced and accumulate during effector/memory cell differentiation. We characterized CD4(+)CD45RO(+) T cells based on expression of two of these receptors, CCR5 and CCR2, the principal subsets being CCR5(-)CCR2(-) (∼70%), CCR5(+)CCR2(-) (∼25%), and CCR5(+)CCR2(+) (∼5%). Relationships among expression of CCR5 and CCR2 and CD62L, and the subsets' proliferation histories, suggested a pathway of progressive effector/memory differentiation from the CCR5(-)CCR2(-) to CCR5(+)CCR2(-) to CCR5(+)CCR2(+) cells. Sensitivity and rapidity of TCR-mediated activation, TCR signaling, and effector cytokine production by the subsets were consistent with such a pathway. The subsets also showed increasing responsiveness to IL-7, and the CCR5(+)CCR2(+) cells were CD127(bright) and invariably showed the greatest response to tetanus toxoid. CCR5(+)CCR2(+) cells also expressed the largest repertoire of chemokine receptors and migrated to the greatest number of chemokines. By contrast, the CCR5(+)CCR2(-) cells had the greatest percentages of regulatory T cells, activated/cycling cells, and CMV-reactive cells, and were most susceptible to apoptosis. Our results indicate that increasing memory cell differentiation can be uncoupled from susceptibility to death, and is associated with an increase in chemokine responsiveness, suggesting that vaccination (or infection) can produce a stable population of effector-capable memory cells that are highly enriched in the CCR5(+)CCR2(+) subset and ideally equipped for rapid recall responses in tissue.

B lymphocytes in inflammatory airway diseases

B lymphocytes are key players in all facets of adaptive immune responses and are responsible for the production of IgE antibodies, initiators of allergic hypersensitivity reactions. Recent evidence indicates that B cells may be a crucial player in allergic and inflammatory airway pathology, directly populating upper and lower airway tissues. This review examines human and animal studies that directly demonstrated the presence of B lymphocytes in airway tissues and elaborates on their function as antibody-secreting cells, antigen-presenting cells and producers of inflammatory and regulatory cytokines. B lymphocytes appear to contribute to multiple facets of immune homeostasis in inflammatory diseases of the upper and lower airways.

CD40 ligand expressed in adenovirus can improve the immunogenicity of the GP3 and GP5 of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in swine

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has recently caused heavy economic losses in swine industry worldwide. Current vaccination strategies only provide a limited protective efficacy, thus immune modulators are being considered to enhance the effectiveness of PRRSV vaccines. In this study, the recombinant adenoviruses expressing porcine CD40 ligand (CD40L) and GP3/GP5 of PRRSV were constructed and the immune responses were examined in pigs. The results showed that rAd-CD40L-GP35 (co-expressing CD40L and GP3-GP5) or rAd-GP35 (expressing GP3-GP5) plus rAd-CD40L (expressing CD40L) could provide significant higher specific anti-PRRSV ELISA antibody and neutralizing antibody. And the levels of proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), IFN-γ and IL-4 were markedly increased in rAd-CD40L-GP35 and rAd-CD40L plus rAd-GP35 groups than those in rAd-GP35 group. Following homologous challenge with Chinese isolate of the North-American genotype of PRRSV, pigs inoculated with recombinant rAd-CD40L-GP35 and rAd-CD40L plus rAd-GP35 showed lighter clinical signs and lower viremia, as compared to those in rAd-GP35 group. It indicated that porcine CD40L could effectively increase humoral and cell-mediated immune responses of GP3 and GP5 of PRRSV. Porcine CD40L might be used as an attractive adjuvant or immunotargeting strategies to enhance the PRRSV subunit vaccine responses in swine.

Function of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue in antibody formation

Abundant evidence supports the notion that human intestinal plasma cells are largely derived from B cells initially activated in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Nevertheless, insufficient knowledge exists about the uptake, processing, and presentation of luminal antigens occurring in GALT to accomplish priming and sustained expansion of mucosal B cells. Also, it is unclear how the germinal center reaction so strikingly promotes class switch to IgA and expression of J chain, although the commensal microbiota appears to contribute to both diversification and memory. B-cell migration from GALT to the intestinal lamina propria is guided by rather well-defined adhesion molecules and chemokines/chemokine receptors, but the cues directing homing to secretory effector sites beyond the gut require better definition. In this respect, the role of human Waldeyer's ring (including adenoids and the palatine tonsils) as a regional mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue must be better defined, although the balance of evidence suggests that it functions as nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) like the characteristic NALT structures in rodents. Altogether, data suggest a remarkable compartmentalization of the mucosal immune system that must be taken into account in the development of effective local vaccines to protect specifically the airways, small and large intestines, and the female genital tract.

Abatacept limits breach of self-tolerance in a murine model of arthritis via effects on the generation of T follicular helper cells

Abatacept modulates CD28-mediated T cell costimulation and is efficacious in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Its mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated but will likely reveal critical pathologic pathways in RA. We show that abatacept substantially modulated Ag-specific T and B cell responses in vivo. Ag-specific T cell proliferation was reduced, and the acquisition of an activated phenotype, characterized by upregulation of CD69, OX40, ICOS, and programmed death-1 and downregulation of CD62L, was suppressed. Furthermore, abatacept suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-gamma and IL-17. These effects were associated with a failure of Ag-specific T cells to acquire the CXCR5(+)ICOS(+) T follicular helper cell phenotype. This, in turn, led to a failure of these cells to enter B cell follicles, resulting in reduced specific Ab responses, despite normal B cell clonal expansion. To test the pathologic significance of this, we used a novel model of RA associated with breach of self-tolerance to self-Ag and demonstrated that abatacept prevented the emergence of self-reactivity. Thus, CD28-dependent signaling is required for optimal T follicular helper cell maturation and expansion, and its inhibition prevents loss of self-tolerance in a model of articular pathology. Thus, we provide a novel mode of action for abatacept with profound implications for its potential usefulness in early inflammatory arthropathies associated with autoantibody expression.

T cell and APC dynamics in situ control the outcome of vaccination

The factors controlling the progression of an immune response to generation of protective memory are poorly understood. We compared the in situ and ex vivo characteristics of CD8 T cells responding to different forms of the same immunogen. Immunization with live Listeria monocytogenes, irradiated L. monocytogenes (IRL), or heat-killed L. monocytogenes (HKL) induced rapid activation of CD8 T cells. However, only IRL and live L. monocytogenes inoculation induced sustained proliferation and supported memory development. Gene and protein expression analysis revealed that the three forms of immunization led to three distinct transcriptional and translational programs. Prior to cell division, CD8 T cell-dendritic cell clusters formed in the spleen after live L. monocytogenes and IRL but not after HKL immunization. Furthermore, HKL immunization induced rapid remodeling of splenic architecture, including loss of marginal zone macrophages, which resulted in impaired bacterial clearance. These results identify initial characteristics of a protective T cell response that have implications for the development of more effective vaccination strategies.

In vivo regulation of Bcl6 and T follicular helper cell development

Follicular helper T (T(FH)) cells, defined by expression of the surface markers CXCR5 and programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and synthesis of IL-21, require upregulation of the transcriptional repressor Bcl6 for their development and function in B cell maturation in germinal centers. We have explored the role of B cells and the cytokines IL-6 and IL-21 in the in vivo regulation of Bcl6 expression and T(FH) cell development. We found that T(FH) cells are characterized by a Bcl6-dependent downregulation of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL1, a CCL19- and CCL21-binding protein), indicating that, like CXCR5 and PD-1 upregulation, modulation of PSGL1 expression is part of the T(FH) cell program of differentiation. B cells were neither required for initial upregulation of Bcl6 nor PSGL1 downregulation, suggesting these events preceded T-B cell interactions, although they were required for full development of the T(FH) cell phenotype, including CXCR5 and PD-1 upregulation, and IL-21 synthesis. Bcl6 upregulation and T(FH) cell differentiation were independent of IL-6 and IL-21, revealing that either cytokine is not absolutely required for development of Bcl6(+) T(FH) cells in vivo. These data increase our understanding of Bcl6 regulation in T(FH) cells and their differentiation in vivo and identifies a new surface marker that may be functionally relevant in this subset.

Preferential localization of IgG memory B cells adjacent to contracted germinal centers

It has long been presumed that after leaving the germinal centers (GCs), memory B cells colonize the marginal zone or join the recirculating pool. Here we demonstrate the preferential localization of nitrophenol-chicken gamma-globulin-induced CD38(+)IgG1(+) memory B cells adjacent to contracted GCs in the spleen. The memory B cells in this region proliferated after secondary immunization, a response that was abolished by depletion of CD4(+) T cells. We also found that these IgG1(+) memory B cells could present antigen on their surface, and that this activity was required for their activation. These results implicate this peri-GC region as an important site for survival and reactivation of memory B cells.

IL-4 directs both CD4 and CD8 T cells to produce Th2 cytokines in vitro, but only CD4 T cells produce these cytokines in response to alum-precipitated protein in vivo

While IL-4 directs CD4 T cells to produce Th2 cytokines (including IL-4, IL-13, IL-5) in vitro it has been shown that production of these cytokines can be induced in vivo in the absence of IL-4/IL-13/STAT-6 signaling. The present report shows that CD8 as well as CD4 T cells activated through their TCR, in vitro upregulate the Th2-features - IL-4, IL-13, IL-5, and GATA-3. However, in vivo while alum-precipitated antigen strongly and selectively induces these Th2-features in CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells mount a markedly different response to this antigen. This CD8 response is associated with strong proliferation and production of IFN-gamma, but no Th2-features are induced. Alum-protein formulations are widely used in human vaccines and typically induce strong antibody responses characterized by the differentiation of IL-4-producing CD4 T cells and immunoglobulin class switching to IgG1. Nevertheless, the mechanism responsible for CD4 Th2 and follicular helper T cell commitment triggered by these alum-protein vaccines is still poorly understood. Analysis of the in vivo response to alum-precipitated protein shows that while subsets of CD4 T cells strongly upregulate Th2 and follicular helper T cell features including the surface markers OX40, CXCR5, PD-1, IL-17RB and the transcription factor c-Maf, CD8 T cells do not. These discrete differences between responding CD4 and CD8 T cells provide further insight into the differences between Th2 polarization of CD4 T cells directed by IL-4 in vitro and the induction of IL-4 production by CD4 T cells in vivo in response to alum-precipitated protein.

Impaired germinal center responses and suppression of local IgG production during intracellular bacterial infection

Germinal centers (GCs) are specialized microenvironments in secondary lymphoid organs that facilitate the development of high-affinity, isotype-switched Abs, and immunological memory; consequently, many infections require GC-derived IgG for pathogen clearance. Although Ehrlichia muris infection elicits a robust expansion of splenic, IgM-secreting plasmablasts, we detected only very low frequencies of isotype-switched IgG-secreting cells in mouse spleens, until at least 3 wk postinfection. Instead, Ag-specific IgG was produced in lymph nodes, where it required CD4 T cell help. Consistent with these findings, organized GCs and phenotypically defined splenic GC B cells were found in lymph nodes, but not spleens. Ehrlichial infection also inhibited spleen IgG responses against a coadministered T cell-dependent Ag, hapten 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl acetyl (NP)-conjugated chicken gamma globulin in alum. NP-specific B cells failed to undergo expansion and differentiation into GC B cells in the spleen, Ab titers were reduced, and splenic IgG production was inhibited nearly 10-fold when the Ag was administered during infection. Our data provide a mechanism whereby an intracellular bacterial infection can compromise local immunity to coinfecting pathogens or antigenic challenge.

CD11c(hi) dendritic cells regulate the re-establishment of vascular quiescence and stabilization after immune stimulation of lymph nodes

Lymph node expansion during immune responses is accompanied by rapid vascular expansion. The re-establishment of quiescence and stabilization of the newly expanded vasculature and the regulatory mechanisms involved have not been well studied. We show that although initiation of vascular expansion in immune-stimulated nodes is associated with upregulated endothelial cell proliferation, increased high endothelial venule trafficking efficiency and VCAM-1 expression, and disrupted perivascular fibroblastic reticular cell organization, the re-establishment of vascular quiescence and stabilization postexpansion is characterized by reversal of these phenomena. Although CD11c(med) cells are associated with the initiation of vascular expansion, CD11c(hi)MHC class II (MHC II)(med) dendritic cells (DCs) accumulate later, and their short-term depletion in mice abrogates the re-establishment of vascular quiescence and stabilization. CD11c(hi)MHC II(med) cells promote endothelial cell quiescence in vitro and, in vivo, mediate quiescence at least in part by mediating reduced lymph node vascular endothelial growth factor. Disrupted vascular quiescence and stabilization in expanded nodes is associated with attenuated T cell-dependent B cell responses. These results describe a novel mechanism whereby CD11c(hi)MHC II(med) DCs regulate the re-establishment of vascular quiescence and stabilization after lymph node vascular expansion and suggest that these DCs function in part to orchestrate the microenvironmental alterations required for successful immunity.

A protease-dependent mechanism for initiating T-dependent B cell responses to large particulate antigens

Ab production is critical for antimicrobial immunity, and the initial step in this process is the binding of Ag to the BCR. It has been shown that small soluble proteins can directly access the lymph node follicles to reach naive B cells, but virus particles must be translocated into follicles via subcapsular sinus macrophages. In this article, we explore how large particulate Ags generate humoral immune responses. Ag-specific follicular B cells rapidly acquired Ag, presented peptide:MHC class II ligands, and produced T-dependent Ab responses following s.c. injection of 1-mum, Ag-linked microspheres, despite the microspheres being confined to the subcapsular sinus. The mechanism of Ag acquisition did not require dendritic cells, subcapsular sinus macrophages, or B cell movement to the subcapsular sinus. Rather, B cell Ag acquisition was protease-dependent, suggesting that some protein Ags are cleaved from the surface of particles to directly initiate humoral immune responses.