Plexin-D1 is a novel regulator of germinal centers and humoral immune responses

J Immunol. 2011 May 15;186(10):5603-11. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1003464. Epub 2011 Apr 4.

Abstract

Long-lived humoral immune responses depend upon the generation of memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells during the germinal center (GC) reaction. These memory compartments, characterized by class-switched IgG and high-affinity Abs, are the basis for successful vaccination. We report that a new member of the plexin family of molecules, plexin-D1, controls the GC reaction and is required for secondary humoral immune responses. Plexin-D1 was not required for B cell maturation, marginal zone precursor development, dark and light zone formation, Igλ(+) and Igκ(+) B cell skewing, B1/B2 development, and the initial extrafollicular response. Plexin-D1 expression was increased following B cell activation, and PlxnD1(-/-) mice exhibited defective GC reactions during T-dependent immune activation. PlxnD1(-/-) B cells showed a defect in migration toward the GC chemokines, CXCL12, CXCL13, and CCL19. Accordingly, PlxnD1(-/-) mice exhibited defective production of IgG1 and IgG2b, but not IgG3 serum Ab, accompanied by reductions in long-lived bone marrow plasmacytes and recall humoral memory responses. These data show a new role for immune plexins in the GC reaction and generation of immunologic memory.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Chemokine CCL19 / deficiency
  • Chemokine CCL19 / metabolism
  • Chemokine CXCL12 / deficiency
  • Chemokine CXCL12 / metabolism
  • Chemokine CXCL13 / deficiency
  • Chemokine CXCL13 / metabolism
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Germinal Center / cytology
  • Germinal Center / immunology*
  • Germinal Center / metabolism*
  • Immunity, Humoral*
  • Immunoglobulin Class Switching
  • Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis*
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Immunologic Memory
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology*
  • Plasma Cells / immunology

Substances

  • Ccl19 protein, mouse
  • Chemokine CCL19
  • Chemokine CXCL12
  • Chemokine CXCL13
  • Cxcl12 protein, mouse
  • Cxcl13 protein, mouse
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Plxnd1 protein, mouse