Impaired B cell development in the absence of Krüppel-like factor 3

J Immunol. 2011 Nov 15;187(10):5032-42. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1101450. Epub 2011 Oct 14.

Abstract

Krüppel-like factor 3 (Klf3) is a member of the Klf family of transcription factors. Klfs are widely expressed and have diverse roles in development and differentiation. In this study, we examine the function of Klf3 in B cell development by studying B lymphopoiesis in a Klf3 knockout mouse model. We show that B cell differentiation is significantly impaired in the bone marrow, spleen, and peritoneal cavity of Klf3 null mice and confirm that the defects are cell autonomous. In the bone marrow, there is a reduction in immature B cells, whereas recirculating mature cells are noticeably increased. Immunohistology of the spleen reveals a poorly structured marginal zone (MZ) that may in part be caused by deregulation of adhesion molecules on MZ B cells. In the peritoneal cavity, there are significant defects in B1 B cell development. We also report that the loss of Klf3 in MZ B cells is associated with reduced BCR signaling strength and an impaired ability to respond to LPS stimulation. Finally, we show increased expression of a number of Klf genes in Klf3 null B cells, suggesting that a Klf regulatory network may exist in B cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / pathology*
  • Bone Marrow Cells / immunology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / metabolism
  • Bone Marrow Cells / pathology
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / deficiency*
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Lymphopoiesis / genetics*
  • Lymphopoiesis / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Peritoneum / immunology
  • Peritoneum / metabolism
  • Peritoneum / pathology
  • Radiation Chimera / genetics
  • Radiation Chimera / immunology
  • Spleen / immunology
  • Spleen / metabolism
  • Spleen / pathology

Substances

  • Klf3 protein, mouse
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE31622