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Distinct T helper cell dependence of memory B‐cell proliferation versus plasma cell differentiation
Author(s) -
Zabel Franziska,
Fettelschoss Antonia,
Vogel Monique,
Johansen Pål,
Kündig Thomas M.,
Bachmann Martin F.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.297
H-Index - 133
eISSN - 1365-2567
pISSN - 0019-2805
DOI - 10.1111/imm.12688
Subject(s) - germinal center , cd40 , biology , memory b cell , microbiology and biotechnology , b cell , cellular differentiation , immunology , antibody , cytotoxic t cell , in vitro , genetics , gene
Summary Several memory B‐cell subclasses with distinct functions have been described, of which the most effective is the class‐switched ( CS ) memory B‐cell population. We have previously shown, using virus‐like particles ( VLP s), that the proliferative potential of these CS memory B cells is limited and they fail to re‐enter germinal centres ( GC s). However, VLP ‐specific memory B cells quickly differentiated into secondary plasma cells ( PC s) with the virtue of elevated antibody production compared with primary PC s. Whereas the induction of VLP + memory B cells was strongly dependent on T helper cells, we were wondering whether re‐stimulation of VLP + memory B cells and their differentiation into secondary PC s would also require T helper cells. Global absence of T helper cells led to strongly impaired memory B cell proliferation and PC differentiation. In contrast, lack of interleukin‐21 receptor‐dependent follicular T helper cells or CD 40 ligand signalling strongly affected proliferation of memory B cells, but differentiation into mature secondary PC s exhibiting increased antibody production was essentially normal. This contrasts with primary B‐cell responses, where a strong dependence on CD 40 ligand but limited importance of interleukin‐21 receptor was seen. Hence, T helper cell dependence differs between primary and secondary B‐cell responses as well as between memory B‐cell proliferation and PC differentiation.