Opsonization-independent antigen-specific recognition by myeloid phagocytes expressing monoclonal antibodies

Sci Adv. 2023 Sep;9(35):eadg1812. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adg1812. Epub 2023 Sep 1.

Abstract

This report demonstrates a novel class of innate immune cells designated "variable immunoreceptor-expressing myeloids" (VIREMs). Using single-cell transcriptomics and genome-wide epigenetic profiling, we establish that VIREMs are myeloid cells unrelated to lymphocytes. We visualize the phenotype of B-VIREMs that are capable of genetically recombining and expressing antibody genes, the exclusive hallmark function of B lymphocytes. These cells, designated B-VIREMs, display monoclonal antibody cell surface signatures and regularly circulate in the blood of healthy individuals. Single-cell data reveal clonal expansion of circulating B-VIREMs as a dynamic response to disease stimuli. Live-cell imaging models suggest that B-VIREMs load their own Fc receptors with endogenous antibodies during vesicle transport to the cell surface. A first cloned B-VIREM-derived antibody (Vab1) specifically binds stomatin, a ubiquitous scaffold protein that is strictly expressed intracellularly, allowing Vab1-bearing macrophages to phagocytose cell debris without requiring prior opsonization. Our results suggest important antigen-specific tissue maintenance functionalities in these innate immune cells.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal* / immunology
  • Antigens / immunology
  • Antigens / metabolism
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / immunology
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Myeloid Cells* / immunology
  • Myeloid Cells* / metabolism
  • Opsonin Proteins / immunology
  • Opsonin Proteins / metabolism
  • Phagocytes* / immunology
  • Phagocytes* / metabolism
  • Phagocytosis
  • Receptors, Fc / immunology
  • Receptors, Fc / metabolism
  • Single-Cell Analysis

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Receptors, Fc
  • Antigens
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Opsonin Proteins