B cell receptor crosstalk: B cells express osteopontin through the combined action of the alternate and classical BCR signaling pathways

Mol Immunol. 2009 Feb;46(4):587-91. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2008.07.029. Epub 2008 Oct 25.

Abstract

Classical BCR signaling requires a number of signalosome mediators that are bypassed when BCR signaling follows an alternate pathway produced by prior exposure of B cells to IL-4. The two pathways, classical and alternate, co-exist in IL-4-treated B cells. Here we report that operation of the IL-4-induced alternate pathway in combination with the classical pathway changes the nature of the B cell response to BCR engagement so that the cytokine, osteopontin (Opn), is produced and secreted. Although Opn expression by B cells has not previously been noted, anti-Ig-induced secretion by IL-4-treated B cells amounts to levels comparable to those secreted by activated T cells. However, unlike T cell Opn expression, B cell expression of Opn is not mediated by T-Bet. Because elevated levels of IL-4 occur in association with severe illness, and because Opn is strongly associated with autoimmunity, these results suggest that the IL-4-induced alternate BCR signaling pathway may participate in the pathophysiology of autoimmune dyscrasias.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Interleukin-4 / immunology
  • Interleukin-4 / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Osteopontin / immunology
  • Osteopontin / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / immunology*
  • T-Box Domain Proteins / immunology
  • T-Box Domain Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell
  • Spp1 protein, mouse
  • T-Box Domain Proteins
  • T-box transcription factor TBX21
  • Osteopontin
  • Interleukin-4