Transcription factor Zfx controls BCR-induced proliferation and survival of B lymphocytes

Blood. 2009 Jun 4;113(23):5857-67. doi: 10.1182/blood-2008-11-188888. Epub 2009 Mar 27.

Abstract

The development, homeostasis, and function of B lymphocytes involve multiple rounds of B-cell receptor (BCR)-controlled proliferation and prolonged maintenance. We analyzed the role of transcription factor Zfx, a recently identified regulator of hematopoietic stem cell maintenance, in B-cell development and homeostasis. Panhematopoietic or B cell-specific deletion of Zfx in the bone marrow blocked B-cell development at the pre-BCR selection checkpoint. Zfx deficiency in peripheral B cells caused accelerated B-cell turnover, depletion of mature recirculating B cells, and delayed T-dependent antibody responses. In addition, the numbers and function of B-1 cell lineage were reduced. Zfx-deficient B cells showed normal proximal BCR signaling, but impaired BCR-induced proliferation and survival in vitro. This was accompanied by aberrantly enhanced and prolonged integrated stress response and by delayed induction of cyclin D2 and Bcl-xL proteins. Thus, Zfx restrains the stress response and couples antigen receptor signaling to cell expansion and maintenance during B-cell development and peripheral homeostasis. These results identify a novel transcriptional regulator of the B-cell lineage and highlight the common genetic control of stem cell maintenance and lymphocyte homeostasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Survival / immunology
  • Homeostasis / immunology
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / deficiency
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell
  • zinc finger protein, X-linked