Characterization of T-dependent and T-independent B cell responses to a virus-like particle
W Liao, Z Hua, C Liu, L Lin, R Chen… - The Journal of …, 2017 - journals.aai.org
W Liao, Z Hua, C Liu, L Lin, R Chen, B Hou
The Journal of Immunology, 2017•journals.aai.orgNatural pathogens, such as viruses, often induce T-dependent and T-independent Ab
responses. However, the activation and differentiation of Ag-specific B cells under these
conditions had not been examined in detail. In this study, we used bacterial phage Qβ-
derived virus-like particles (Qβ-VLPs) as an immunogen to examine the T-independent and
T-dependent phases of the response in mice. Using Qβ-specific cell labeling and
enrichment methods developed in this study, we were able to characterize the rare Ag …
responses. However, the activation and differentiation of Ag-specific B cells under these
conditions had not been examined in detail. In this study, we used bacterial phage Qβ-
derived virus-like particles (Qβ-VLPs) as an immunogen to examine the T-independent and
T-dependent phases of the response in mice. Using Qβ-specific cell labeling and
enrichment methods developed in this study, we were able to characterize the rare Ag …
Abstract
Natural pathogens, such as viruses, often induce T-dependent and T-independent Ab responses. However, the activation and differentiation of Ag-specific B cells under these conditions had not been examined in detail. In this study, we used bacterial phage Qβ-derived virus-like particles (Qβ-VLPs) as an immunogen to examine the T-independent and T-dependent phases of the response in mice. Using Qβ-specific cell labeling and enrichment methods developed in this study, we were able to characterize the rare Ag-specific B cells in detail. Surprisingly, we found that Qβ-VLPs could induce Bcl-6 expression in pregerminal center B cells independently of T cell help. In addition, Qβ-VLP–induced T-independent responses could lead to isotype-switched and somatically mutated memory B cells. Finally, in contrast to what has been reported with several other Ags, long-lived IgG+ memory cells were induced by Qβ-VLPs, with IgM+ memory B cells being produced but only evident for a limited time, suggesting that different types of immunogens may preferentially generate or maintain IgM+ versus IgG+ memory B cells.
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