Superantigen- and TLR-dependent activation of tonsillar B cells after receptor-mediated endocytosis

J Immunol. 2009 Apr 15;182(8):4713-20. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.0803032.

Abstract

Classical B lymphocyte activation is dependent on BCR cross-linking in combination with physical interaction with Th cells. Other B cell molecules that contribute to the activation are complement, cytokine, and TLRs recognizing specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis is a common Gram-negative respiratory pathogen that induces proliferation in human IgD-expressing B cells independently of T cell help. The activation is initiated by the B cell superantigen Moraxella IgD-binding protein (MID) through a nonimmune cross-linking of IgD. However, IgD cross-linking alone is not sufficient to induce proliferation. In this study, we characterized the significance of TLRs in superantigen-dependent B cell activation using whole bacteria or rMID in the presence or absence of TLR ligands. IgD cross-linking by MID sensitized B cells obtained from children with tonsillar hyperplasia for mainly TLR9, whereas TLRs 1, 2, 6, and 7 were less important. The Moraxella-induced activation was inhibited when a dominant-negative TLR9 ligand was added. Interestingly, BCR-mediated endocytosis of whole Moraxella and degradation of live bacteria in naive B cells were observed with fluorescence, confocal, and transmission electron microscopy. This unique observation proved the strong intracellular TLR9 response as well as highlighted the Ag-presenting function of B cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest an important role of TLRs in the adaptive immune response and reveal novel insights into the T cell-independent B cell activation induced by bacteria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Endocytosis / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin D / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Moraxella catarrhalis / genetics
  • Moraxella catarrhalis / immunology
  • Palatine Tonsil / immunology*
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / immunology
  • Superantigens / immunology*
  • Toll-Like Receptors / immunology*

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Immunoglobulin D
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell
  • Superantigens
  • Toll-Like Receptors