Homing of human B cells to lymphoid organs and B-cell lymphoma engraftment are controlled by cell adhesion molecule JAM-C

Cancer Res. 2013 Jan 15;73(2):640-51. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-12-1756. Epub 2012 Dec 5.

Abstract

Junctional adhesion molecule C (JAM-C) is expressed by vascular endothelium and human but not mouse B lymphocytes. The level of JAM-C expression defines B-cell differentiation stages and allows the classification of marginal zone-derived (JAM-C-positive) and germinal center-derived (JAM-C-negative) B-cell lymphomas. In the present study, we investigated the role of JAM-C in homing of human B cells, using a xenogeneic nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mouse model. Treatment with anti-JAM-C antibodies in short-term experiments reduced migration of normal and malignant JAM-C-expressing B cells to bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. Blocking homing to the spleen is remarkable, as most other antiadhesion antibodies reduce homing of B cells only to bone marrow and lymph nodes. Long-term administration of anti-JAM-C antibodies prevented engraftment of JAM-Cpos lymphoma cells in bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes of mice. Plasmon resonance studies identified JAM-B as the major ligand for JAM-C, whereas homotypic JAM-C interactions remained at background levels. Accordingly, anti-JAM-C antibodies blocked adhesion of JAM-C-expressing B cells to their ligand JAM-B, and immunofluorescence analysis showed the expression of JAM-B on murine and human lymphatic endothelial cells. Targeting JAM-C could thus constitute a new therapeutic strategy to prevent lymphoma cells from reaching supportive microenvironments not only in the bone marrow and lymph nodes but also in the spleen.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adoptive Transfer
  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Bone Marrow / immunology
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / immunology
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / physiology*
  • Cell Movement / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred NOD
  • Mice, SCID
  • Spleen / immunology

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • JAM3 protein, human
  • Jam2 protein, mouse