Impaired B cell development and function in the absence of IkappaBNS

J Immunol. 2011 Oct 15;187(8):3942-52. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1002109. Epub 2011 Sep 7.

Abstract

IκBNS has been identified as a member of the IκB family of NF-κB inhibitors, which undergoes induction upon TCR signaling. Mice carrying a targeted gene disruption of IκBNS demonstrate dysregulation of cytokines in T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. IκBNS mediates both positive and negative gene regulation, depending on individual cell type and/or cytokine. In this study, we demonstrate an additional role for IκBNS in the B cell lineage. B cells from IκBNS knockout (KO) mice were impaired in proliferative responses to LPS and anti-CD40. IgM and IgG3 Igs were drastically reduced in the serum of IκBNS KO mice, although IκBNS KO B cells exhibited a higher level of surface IgM than that found in wild-type mice. Switching to IgG3 was significantly reduced in IκBNS KO B cells. The in vitro induction of plasma cell development demonstrated that progression to Ab-secreting cells was impaired in IκBNS KO B cells. In agreement with this finding, the number of Ab-secreting cells in the spleens of IκBNS KO mice was reduced and production of Ag-specific Igs was lower in IκBNS KO mice after influenza infection as compared with wild-type mice. Additionally, IκBNS KO mice lacked B1 B cells and exhibited a reduction in marginal zone B cells. Thus, IκBNS significantly impacts the development and functions of B cells and plasma cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology*
  • Cell Separation
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Plasma Cells / cytology
  • Plasma Cells / immunology
  • Proteins / genetics
  • Proteins / immunology*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • IkappaBNS protein, mouse
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Proteins