B-cell migration and adhesion are critical to form a germinal center response, the site for B-cell production of high-affinity antibodies. Here, we describe two assays that can be used to examine B-cell cytoskeletal responses needed during the germinal center response: B-cell spreading and homotypic adhesion. Spreading of B cells is dependent on Cdc42, while Rac1 and Rac2 are necessary for homotypic adhesion. These in vitro assays can be used to examine functional responses of B cells mediated by the cell cytoskeleton, for example when comparing B cells from different gene knockout animals.
Keywords: Adhesion; B lymphocytes; In vitro responses; Polyclonal activation; Spreading.