Positive and negative selection during B lymphocyte development

Dynamical properties of feedback signalling in B lymphopoiesis: A mathematical modelling approach

Haematopoiesis is the process of generation of blood cells. Lymphopoiesis generates lymphocytes, the cells in charge of the adaptive immune response. Disruptions of this process are associated with diseases like leukaemia, which is especially incident in children. The characteristics of self-regulation of this process make them suitable for a mathematical study. In this paper we develop mathematical models of lymphopoiesis using currently available data. We do this by drawing inspiration from existing structured models of cell lineage development and integrating them with paediatric bone marrow data, with special focus on regulatory mechanisms. A formal analysis of the models is carried out, giving steady states and their stability conditions. We use this analysis to obtain biologically relevant regions of the parameter space and to understand the dynamical behaviour of B-cell renovation. Finally, we use numerical simulations to obtain further insight into the influence of proliferation and maturation rates on the reconstitution of the cells in the B line. We conclude that a model including feedback regulation of cell proliferation represents a biologically plausible depiction for B-cell reconstitution in bone marrow. Research into haematological disorders could benefit from a precise dynamical description of B lymphopoiesis.

B-CD8+ T Cell Interactions in the Anti-Idiotypic Response against a Self-Antibody

P3 is a murine, germline, IgM mAb that recognizes N-glycolylated gangliosides and other self-antigens. This antibody is able to induce an anti-idiotypic IgG response and B-T idiotypic cascade, even in the absence of any adjuvant or carrier protein. P3 mAb immunization induces the expression of activation markers in a significant percentage of B-1a cells in vivo. Interestingly, transfer of both B-1a and B-2 to BALB/Xid mice was required to recover anti-P3 IgG response in this model. In fact, P3 mAb activated B-2 cells, in vitro, inducing secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4, although this activation was not detected ex vivo. Interestingly, naïve CD8+ T cells increased the expression of activation markers and IFN-γ secretion in the presence of B-1a cells isolated from P3 mAb-immunized mice, even without in vitro restimulation. In contrast, B-2 cells were able to stimulate CD8+ T cells only if P3 was added in vitro. Using bioinformatics, a MHC class I-binding peptide from P3 VH region was identified. P3 mAb was able to induce a specific CTL response in vivo against cells presenting this peptide. Both humoral and CTL anti-idiotypic responses could be mechanisms to protect against the self-reactive antibody, contributing to keeping the tolerance to self-antigens.

Conditional knockdown of BCL2A1 reveals rate-limiting roles in BCR-dependent B-cell survival

Bcl2 family proteins control mitochondrial apoptosis and its members exert critical cell type and differentiation stage-specific functions, acting as barriers against autoimmunity or transformation. Anti-apoptotic Bcl2a1/Bfl1/A1 is frequently deregulated in different types of blood cancers in humans but its physiological role is poorly understood as quadruplication of the Bcl2a1 gene locus in mice hampers conventional gene targeting strategies. Transgenic overexpression of A1, deletion of the A1-a paralogue or constitutive knockdown in the hematopoietic compartment of mice by RNAi suggested rate-limiting roles in lymphocyte development, granulopoiesis and mast cell activation. Here we report on the consequences of conditional knockdown of A1 protein expression using a reverse transactivator (rtTA)-driven approach that highlights a critical role for this Bcl2 family member in the maintenance of mature B-cell homeostasis. Furthermore, we define the A1/Bim (Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death) axis as a target of key kinases mediating B-cell receptor (BCR)-dependent survival signals, such as, spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and Brutons tyrosine kinase (Btk). As such, A1 represents a putative target for the treatment of B-cell-related pathologies depending on hyperactivation of BCR-emanating survival signals and loss of A1 expression accounts, in part, for the pro-apoptotic effects of Syk- or Btk inhibitors that rely on the ‘BH3-only' protein Bim for cell killing.

The BAFFling function of Syk in B-cell homeostasis

The TNF receptor family member BAFFR is essential for providing mature B cells with pro-survival signals and has recently been claimed to transduce these, though not exclusively, via a Syk-dependent signaling hub that feeds into ERK/AKT activation. In this issue of The EMBO Journal, Hobeika et al (2015) describe a synergistic prosurvival scenario involving BAFFR and CD19, which remains functional under Syk null conditions and is able to maintain mature B-cell survival. The authors hence propose a BAFFR-/CD19-driven mechanism to act in parallel with homeostatic NF-κB/AKT activation in non-stimulated B cells.

Midkine as a regulator of B cell survival in health and disease

In healthy individuals, the pool of peripheral lymphocytes is constant in size. The control of lymphoid homeostasis is the result of a very fine balance between lymphocyte production, survival and proliferation. Survival factors have been shown to play a critical role in maintaining the correct size of lymphocyte populations. Midkine, a heparin-binding cytokine was recently shown to be involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in various cell types including normal and malignant B cells. This review focuses on the role of midkine in the regulation of peripheral B cell survival in health and disease.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Midkine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-4.

The role of B lymphocyte stimulator in B cell biology: implications for the treatment of lupus

B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS; also known as B cell activating factor (BAFF)) plays a key role in peripheral B cell tolerance. Mounting evidence indicates that B cell tolerance can be either broken or modulated by deliberately manipulating BLyS levels, and belimumab, a BLyS-neutralizing antibody, was recently approved for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Thus, intense investigation has focused on understanding how therapeutics targeting BLyS may work, and accumulating evidence suggests multiple points of action. BLyS signaling, in conjunction with B cell receptor (BCR) signaling, determines the size and quality of the mature primary B cell compartment. Moreover, BLyS family members play roles in antigen-experienced B cell selection and differentiation. Together, these findings have implications for the continued development of novel therapeutics that target BLyS.

Stochastic gene expression in mammals: lessons from olfaction

One of the remarkable characteristics of higher organisms is the enormous assortment of cell types that emerge from a common genome. The immune system, with the daunting duty of detecting an astounding number of pathogens, and the nervous system with the equally bewildering task of perceiving and interpreting the external world, are the quintessence of cellular diversity. As we began to appreciate decades ago, achieving distinct expression programs among similar cell types cannot be accomplished solely by deterministic regulatory systems, but by the involvement of some type of stochasticity. In the last few years our understanding of these non-deterministic mechanisms is advancing, and this review will provide a brief summary of the current view of stochastic gene expression with focus on olfactory receptor (OR) gene choice, the epigenetic underpinnings of which recently began to emerge.

Human immune system mice: current potential and limitations for translational research on human antibody responses

It has recently become possible to generate chimeric mice durably engrafted with many components of the human immune system (HIS mice). We have characterized the maturation and function of the B cell compartment of HIS mice. The antibody response of HIS mice to T cell-dependent B cell antigens is limited, and contributing factors may be the general immaturity of the B cell compartment, infrequent helper T cells selected on human MHC class II antigens, and incomplete reconstitution of secondary lymphoid organs and their microenvironments. In contrast, HIS mice generate protective antibody responses to the bacterium Borrelia hermsii, which acts as a T cell-independent antigen in mice, but do not respond to purified polysaccharide antigens (PPS). We speculate that the anti-B. hermsii response of HIS mice is derived from an abundant B cell subset that may be analogous to B1 B cells in mice. We suggest that failure of HIS mice to respond to PPS is due to the lack of a B cell subset that may originate from adult bone marrow and is highly dependent on human interleukin-7 for development.

A single mid-gestation exposure to TCDD yields a postnatal autoimmune signature, differing by sex, in early geriatric C57BL/6 mice

We recently observed an autoimmune profile in 24-week-old C57BL/6 mice that received a 2.5 or 5.0μg/kg mid-gestation dose of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) (Mustafa et al., 2008). The clinical signs were consistent with a lupus-like syndrome and included: increased autoantibody levels, renal IgG and C3 immune complex deposition with associated inflammation, and increased peripheral Vβ(+) T cells. No studies currently exist following the progression of such disease into middle or advanced ages, when human autoimmune diseases may manifest. Therefore in the present study, littermates of mice from the previous 24 week prenatal TCDD study were allowed to age to 48 weeks, considered early geriatric in mice. Similarities and differences in the disease profile based on age and sex were observed. Peripheral autoreactive Vβ(+) T cells were increased in both sexes at 48 weeks, in contrast to males only at 24 weeks. Activated T cells from 48-week-old prenatal TCDD females over-produced the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ while males over-produced IL-10, effects again not seen at 24 weeks. Splenic transitional-2 B cells (CD21(int)CD24(hi)) were increased in males while transitional-1 B cells (CD23(neg) CD1(neg)) were increased in females at 48 weeks. Autoantibodies to cardiolipin and CD138(+) spleen plasma cells were significantly increased in the aged males but not females. Anti-IgG and anti-C3 immune complex renal deposition were also significantly increased in the prenatal TCDD males but not females. These selective changes in the aged male mice may be noteworthy, in that the prevalence of SLE in humans shifts dramatically toward males with aging. The collective findings in aged mice suggest that prenatal TCDD permanently biases the postnatal immune response in C57BL/6 mice toward autoimmunity, and support a significant B cell component to the induced renal autoimmune disease.

T. brucei infection reduces B lymphopoiesis in bone marrow and truncates compensatory splenic lymphopoiesis through transitional B-cell apoptosis

African trypanosomes of the Trypanosoma brucei species are extracellular protozoan parasites that cause the deadly disease African trypanosomiasis in humans and contribute to the animal counterpart, Nagana. Trypanosome clearance from the bloodstream is mediated by antibodies specific for their Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) coat antigens. However, T. brucei infection induces polyclonal B cell activation, B cell clonal exhaustion, sustained depletion of mature splenic Marginal Zone B (MZB) and Follicular B (FoB) cells, and destruction of the B-cell memory compartment. To determine how trypanosome infection compromises the humoral immune defense system we used a C57BL/6 T. brucei AnTat 1.1 mouse model and multicolor flow cytometry to document B cell development and maturation during infection. Our results show a more than 95% reduction in B cell precursor numbers from the CLP, pre-pro-B, pro-B, pre-B and immature B cell stages in the bone marrow. In the spleen, T. brucei induces extramedullary B lymphopoiesis as evidenced by significant increases in HSC-LMPP, CLP, pre-pro-B, pro-B and pre-B cell populations. However, final B cell maturation is abrogated by infection-induced apoptosis of transitional B cells of both the T1 and T2 populations which is not uniquely dependent on TNF-, Fas-, or prostaglandin-dependent death pathways. Results obtained from ex vivo co-cultures of living bloodstream form trypanosomes and splenocytes demonstrate that trypanosome surface coat-dependent contact with T1/2 B cells triggers their deletion. We conclude that infection-induced and possibly parasite-contact dependent deletion of transitional B cells prevents replenishment of mature B cell compartments during infection thus contributing to a loss of the host's capacity to sustain antibody responses against recurring parasitemic waves.

African trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma brucei species is fatal in both humans and animals and cannot be combated by vaccination because of extensive parasite antigenic variation. Effective trypanosome control and clearance from the bloodstream involves the action of antibodies specific for the parasite's highly diverse variable surface glycoprotein antigens. However, experimental infections in mice have shown that trypanosomiasis elicits a rapid process of B cell exhaustion and loss of protective antibody responses. Indeed, both marginal zone B cells, the first line of defense against blood-borne pathogens like T. brucei parasites, and follicular B cells, which are the major source for developing high-affinity antibody-producing plasma cells and memory B cells, become depleted during infection. In addition, existing B-cell memory, both against parasite antigens and non related pathogens, is destroyed early on in infection. Here, we demonstrate that during infection, B cell development is decreased in the bone marrow and early B cell development is taken over by the spleen. However, full maturation of developing B cells is abrogated by the occurrence of transitional B cell apoptosis. This impairs the replenishment of the mature marginal zone and follicular B cell pools and prevents the buildup of protective immunity against successive parasitemic waves.

The adaptor molecule Act1 regulates BAFF responsiveness and self-reactive B cell selection during transitional B cell maturation

The transitional stage is a key check-point for elimination of autoreactive B cells in the periphery. This selection process requires fine regulation of signals received through BCR and B cell activating factor (BAFF) receptor. We previously identified the adaptor molecule Act1 as a negative regulator of BAFF-mediated signaling. Deficiency of Act1 in mice results in peripheral B cell hyperplasia and development of autoimmunity. In this study, we demonstrate that Act1 plays a critical role in the regulation of transitional B cell survival and maturation. We found that the ratio of late-transitional (T2) to early-transitional (T1) cells was increased in spleens from Act1-deficient mice. Moreover, BAFF stimulation induced better T1 cell survival and promoted more efficient maturation of T1 cells into T2 cells ex vivo in the absence of Act1. BAFF stimulation induced higher levels of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 member Mc1-l in Act1-deficient T1 cells than in wild-type control cells, suggesting that Mcl-1 might be one of the key effector molecules for BAFF-mediated survival of the Act1-deficient transitional B cells. Importantly, costimulation with BAFF was able to rescue Act1-deficient T1 cells from BCR-induced apoptosis more effectively than Act1-sufficient T1 B cells. Finally, by using hen egg lysozyme double transgenic mice, we demonstrated that Act1 deficiency can promote the maturation of Ag-specific autoreactive B cells. Taken together, our results suggest that the transitional stage is a critical point of action of Act1 in the elimination of autoreactive B cells and in the regulation of peripheral B cell homeostasis.

Kinetic modeling reveals a common death niche for newly formed and mature B cells

Background

B lymphocytes are subject to elimination following strong BCR ligation in the absence of appropriate second signals, and this mechanism mediates substantial cell losses during late differentiation steps in the bone marrow and periphery. Mature B cells may also be eliminated through this mechanism as well as through normal turnover, but the population containing mature cells destined for elimination has not been identified. Herein, we asked whether the transitional 3 (T3) subset, which contains most newly formed cells undergoing anergic death, could also include mature B cells destined for elimination.

Methodology/Principal Findings

To interrogate this hypothesis and its implications, we applied mathematical models to previously generated in vivo labeling data. Our analyses reveal that the death rate of T3 B cells is far higher than the death rates of all other splenic B cell subpopulations. Further, the model, in which the T3 pool includes both newly formed and mature primary B cells destined for apoptotic death, shows that this cell loss may account for nearly all mature B cell turnover.

Conclusions/Significance

This finding has implications for the mechanism of normal mature B cell turnover.

The role of B cells in lupus pathogenesis

Autoantibodies clearly contribute to tissue inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus. In order to therapeutically target B cells making pathogenic autoantibodies, it is necessary to identify their phenotype. It is also important to understand the defects in B cell repertoire selection that permit pathogenic autoreactive B cells to enter the immunocompetent B cell repertoire. We present the data that both marginal zone and follicular B cells can produce pathogenic autoantibodies. Moreover, we discuss how B cell survival and maturation are regulated centrally prior to antigen activation and in the periphery after antigen activation to form the repertoire that generates the spectrum of circulating antibodies.

B‐Cell Self‐Tolerance in Humans

Two mechanisms account for generation of the human antibody repertoire; V(D)J recombination during the early stages of B-cell development in the bone marrow and somatic mutation of immunoglobulin genes in mature B cells responding to antigen in the periphery. V(D)J recombination produces diversity by random joining of gene segments and somatic mutation by introducing random point mutations. Both are required to attain the degree of antigen receptor diversification that is necessary for immune protection: defects in either mechanism are associated with increased susceptibility to infection. However, the downside of producing enormous random diversity in the antibody repertoire is the generation of autoantibodies. To prevent autoimmunity B cells expressing autoantibodies are regulated by strict mechanisms that either modify the specificity of autoantibodies or the fate of cells expressing such antibodies. Abnormalities in B-cell self-tolerance are associated with a large number of autoimmune diseases, but the precise nature of the defects is less well defined. Here we summarize recent data on the self-reactive B-cell repertoire in healthy humans and in patients with autoimmunity.

Targeting Toll-like receptor signaling in plasmacytoid dendritic cells and autoreactive B cells as a therapy for lupus

This review focuses on the role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in lupus and on possibilities to treat lupus using TLR modulating inhibitory oligodeoxynucleotides (INH-ODNs). TLRs bridge innate and adaptive immune responses and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Of particular interest are TLR3, -7, -8, and -9, which are localized intracellularly. These TLRs recognize single-stranded or double-stranded RNA or hypomethylated CpG-DNA. Exposure to higher order CpG-DNA ligands or to immune complexed self-RNA triggers activation of autoreactive B cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. INH-ODNs were recently developed that block all downstream signaling events in TLR9-responsive cells. Some of these INH-ODNs can also target TLR7 signaling pathways. Based on their preferential cell reactivity, we classify INH-ODNs into class B and class R. Class B ('broadly reactive') INH-ODNs target a broad range of TLR-expressing cells. Class R ('restricted') INH-ODNs easily form DNA duplexes or higher order structures, and are preferentially recognized by autoreactive B cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, rather than by non-DNA specific follicular B cells. Both classes of INH-ODNs can block animal lupus. Hence, therapeutic application of these novel INH-ODNs in human lupus, particularly class R INH-ODNs, may result in more selective and disease-specific immunosuppression.

Vav proteins regulate peripheral B-cell survival

Mice lacking all 3 Vav proteins fail to produce significant numbers of recirculating follicular or marginal zone B cells. Those B cells that do mature have shortened lifespans. The constitutive nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) activity of resting naive B cells required Vav function and expression of cellular reticuloendotheliosis (c-Rel). Rel-A was reduced in Vav-deficient B cells. Furthermore, expression of the NF-κB-regulated antiapoptotic genes A1 and Bcl-2 was reduced in mature Vav-deficient B cells. Overexpression of Bcl-2 restored the number of mature follicular B cells in the spleens of Vav-deficient mice. When activated by B-cell receptor (BCR) cross-linking, Vav-deficient B cells failed to activate NF-κB. Vav proteins thus regulate an NF-κB-dependent survival signal in naive B cells and are required for NF-κB function after BCR cross-linking.

Differential signalling during B-cell maturation

The molecular mechanism by which the antigen receptors (BCR) on B cells can elicit differential maturation state-specific responses is one of the central problems in B-cell differentiation yet to be resolved. Indeed, many of the early signalling events detected following BCR ligation, such as activation of protein tyrosine kinases (PTK), phospholipase C (PLC), phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI 3K), protein kinase C (PKC) and the RasMAPK (mitogen activating protein kinase) signalling cascades are observed throughout B-cell maturation. However, it is becoming clear that the differential functional responses of these BCR-coupled signals observed during B-cell maturation are dependent on a number of parameters including signal strength and duration, subcellular localisation of the signal, maturation-restricted expression of downstream signalling effector elements/isoforms and modulation of signal by co-receptors. Thus, the combined signature of BCR signalling is likely to dictate the functional response and act as a developmental checkpoint for B-cell maturation.

Role of interaction between Ly49 inhibitory receptors and cognate MHC I molecules in IL2-induced development of NK cells in murine bone marrow cell cultures

Murine bone marrow (BM) cell preparations lack mature cytotoxic natural killer (NK) cells, but NK cells may be induced in these cell preparations by culturing with interleukin-2 (IL2). Present study was aimed at studying the role of interactions between Ly49 molecules and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules during IL2-induced development of mature NK cells in BM cell cultures. Addition of monoclonal antibodies (mabs) specific to class I MHC molecules of H-2b haplotype, to block any interaction of MHC I molecules with their receptors, was found to inhibit NK cell development. Mouse NK cells express several types of Ly49 molecules including Ly49C, which is an inhibitory receptor specific to MHC I molecules of H-2b haplotype. Blocking Ly49-MHC I interaction by using anti-Ly49C mab inhibited the development of cytotoxic NK cells. Addition of anti-Ly49A (no specificity for H-2b MHC I molecules) or anti-Ly49D (activating receptor specific for MHC I molecules of many H-2 haplotypes including H-2b) mabs, however, had no effect on IL2-induced NK cell development in BM cells. Mabs specific to Ly49C molecule and MHC I molecules of H-2b haplotype inhibited the development of mature NK cells from highly purified NK precursor cell population. These results indicate that specific interaction between inhibitory self-reactive Ly49 molecules and MHC I molecules may be crucial for NK cell development. We propose a model in which Ly49-MHC I interaction may have a permissive role in allowing development of only such NK cell clones that expresses at least one self-reactive inhibitory Ly49 molecule so that lysis of autologous healthy cells by mature NK cells may be avoided.