Antigen-engaged B cells undergo chemotaxis toward the T zone and form motile conjugates with helper T cells

PLoS Biol. 2005 Jun;3(6):e150. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0030150. Epub 2005 May 3.

Abstract

Interactions between B and T cells are essential for most antibody responses, but the dynamics of these interactions are poorly understood. By two-photon microscopy of intact lymph nodes, we show that upon exposure to antigen, B cells migrate with directional preference toward the B-zone-T-zone boundary in a CCR7-dependent manner, through a region that exhibits a CCR7-ligand gradient. Initially the B cells show reduced motility, but after 1 d, motility is increased to approximately 9 microm/min. Antigen-engaged B cells pair with antigen-specific helper T cells for 10 to more than 60 min, whereas non-antigen-specific interactions last less than 10 min. B cell-T cell conjugates are highly dynamic and migrate extensively, being led by B cells. B cells occasionally contact more than one T cell, whereas T cells are strictly monogamous in their interactions. These findings provide evidence of lymphocyte chemotaxis in vivo, and they begin to define the spatiotemporal cellular dynamics associated with T cell-dependent antibody responses.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Communication / immunology
  • Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Ovalbumin / immunology
  • Receptors, CCR7
  • Receptors, Chemokine / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology*

Substances

  • CCR7 protein, human
  • Receptors, CCR7
  • Receptors, Chemokine
  • Ovalbumin