XBP-1 specifically promotes IgM synthesis and secretion, but is dispensable for degradation of glycoproteins in primary B cells

J Exp Med. 2005 Aug 15;202(4):505-16. doi: 10.1084/jem.20050575.

Abstract

Differentiation of B cells into plasma cells requires X-box binding protein-1 (XBP-1). In the absence of XBP-1, B cells develop normally, but very little immunoglobulin is secreted. XBP-1 controls the expression of a large set of genes whose products participate in expansion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and in protein trafficking. We define a new role for XBP-1 in exerting selective translational control over high and sustained levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) synthesis. XBP-1(-/-) and XBP-1(+/+) primary B cells synthesize IgM at comparable levels at the onset of stimulation with lipopolysaccharide or CpG. However, later there is a profound depression in synthesis of IgM in XBP-1(-/-) B cells, notwithstanding similar levels of micromRNA. In marked contrast, lack of XBP-1 does not affect synthesis and trafficking of other glycoproteins, or of immunoglobulin light chains. Contrary to expectation, degradation of proteins from the ER, using TCRalpha or US11-mediated degradation of class I major histocompatibility complex molecules as substrates, is normal in XBP-1(-/-) B cells. Furthermore, degradation of membrane mu was unaffected by enforced expression of XBP-1. We conclude that in primary B cells, the XBP-1 pathway promotes synthesis and secretion of IgM, but does not seem to be involved in the degradation of ER proteins, including that of mu chains themselves.

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

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology*
  • Cell Line
  • CpG Islands / immunology
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / immunology
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / immunology
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology
  • Glycoproteins / immunology
  • Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains / biosynthesis
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin mu-Chains / biosynthesis*
  • Immunoglobulin mu-Chains / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin mu-Chains / immunology
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Nuclear Proteins / immunology
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Plasma Cells / immunology
  • Plasma Cells / metabolism*
  • Protein Biosynthesis / drug effects
  • Protein Biosynthesis / immunology
  • Protein Transport / immunology
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / immunology
  • Regulatory Factor X Transcription Factors
  • Transcription Factors
  • X-Box Binding Protein 1

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Glycoproteins
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains
  • Immunoglobulin mu-Chains
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
  • Regulatory Factor X Transcription Factors
  • Transcription Factors
  • X-Box Binding Protein 1
  • Xbp1 protein, mouse