Systems Analysis Reveals High Genetic and Antigen-Driven Predetermination of Antibody Repertoires throughout B Cell Development

Cell Rep. 2017 May 16;19(7):1467-1478. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.04.054.

Abstract

Antibody repertoire diversity and plasticity is crucial for broad protective immunity. Repertoires change in size and diversity across multiple B cell developmental stages and in response to antigen exposure. However, we still lack fundamental quantitative understanding of the extent to which repertoire diversity is predetermined. Therefore, we implemented a systems immunology framework for quantifying repertoire predetermination on three distinct levels: (1) B cell development (pre-B cell, naive B cell, plasma cell), (2) antigen exposure (three structurally different proteins), and (3) four antibody repertoire components (V-gene usage, clonal expansion, clonal diversity, repertoire size) extracted from antibody repertoire sequencing data (400 million reads). Across all three levels, we detected a dynamic balance of high genetic (e.g., >90% for V-gene usage and clonal expansion in naive B cells) and antigen-driven (e.g., 40% for clonal diversity in plasma cells) predetermination and stochastic variation. Our study has implications for the prediction and manipulation of humoral immunity.

Keywords: Ig-seq; bioinformatics; systems immunology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / metabolism*
  • Antigens / metabolism*
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Clone Cells
  • Germ Cells / metabolism
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Plasma Cells / metabolism
  • Systems Analysis*

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Antigens