Abstract
We have assessed the role of B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and its receptors in the germinal center (GC) reaction and affinity maturation. Despite ample BLyS retention on B cells in follicular (FO) regions, the GC microenvironment lacks substantial BLyS. This reflects IL-21-mediated down-regulation of the BLyS receptor TACI (transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor) on GC B cells, thus limiting their capacity for BLyS binding and retention. Within the GC, FO helper T cells (TFH cells) provide a local source of BLyS. Whereas T cell-derived BLyS is dispensable for normal GC cellularity and somatic hypermutation, it is required for the efficient selection of high affinity GC B cell clones. These findings suggest that during affinity maturation, high affinity clones rely on TFH-derived BLyS for their persistence.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 45-56 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Journal of Experimental Medicine |
| Volume | 211 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 2014 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology