Differential molecular and anatomical basis for B cell migration into the peritoneal cavity and omental milky spots

J Immunol. 2008 Feb 15;180(4):2196-203. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.180.4.2196.

Abstract

The constitutive migration of B cells from the circulation into the peritoneal cavity and back is essential for peritoneal B cell homeostasis and function. However, the molecular machinery and the anatomical basis for these migratory processes have hardly been investigated. In this study, we analyze the role of integrins as well as the role of the omentum for B2 cell migration into and out of the peritoneal cavity of mice. We demonstrate that alpha(4)beta(7) integrin-mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 interaction enables B2 cell migration from the circulation into omental milky spots but not into the peritoneum. In contrast, alpha(4)beta(1) integrin mediates direct entry of B2 cells into the peritoneal cavity as well as their retention at that site, limiting B2 cell egress via the draining parathymic lymph nodes. Surgical removal of the omentum results in a 40% reduced immigration of B2 cells from the circulation into the peritoneum but does not impair B cell exit from this compartment. In conclusion, these data reveal the existence of alternative routes for B2 cell entry into the peritoneal cavity and identify integrins as key factors for peritoneal B2 cell homeostasis, mediating B2 cell migration into and out of the peritoneal cavity as well as their retention at this site.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology*
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / transplantation
  • CD18 Antigens / biosynthesis
  • CD18 Antigens / genetics
  • CD18 Antigens / physiology
  • Cell Movement / immunology*
  • Homeostasis / immunology
  • Integrin alpha4 / physiology
  • Integrin beta Chains / biosynthesis
  • Integrin beta Chains / genetics
  • Integrin beta Chains / physiology
  • Integrin beta1 / biosynthesis
  • Integrin beta1 / genetics
  • Integrin beta1 / physiology
  • Lymphoid Tissue / cytology*
  • Lymphoid Tissue / immunology*
  • Lymphoid Tissue / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Omentum / cytology*
  • Omentum / immunology*
  • Omentum / metabolism
  • Peritoneal Cavity / cytology*
  • Peritoneal Cavity / physiology
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / immunology
  • Spleen / transplantation

Substances

  • CD18 Antigens
  • Integrin beta Chains
  • Integrin beta1
  • integrin beta7
  • Integrin alpha4