Discrete populations of isotype-switched memory B lymphocytes are maintained in murine spleen and bone marrow

Nat Commun. 2020 May 22;11(1):2570. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-16464-6.

Abstract

At present, it is not clear how memory B lymphocytes are maintained over time, and whether only as circulating cells or also residing in particular tissues. Here we describe distinct populations of isotype-switched memory B lymphocytes (Bsm) of murine spleen and bone marrow, identified according to individual transcriptional signature and B cell receptor repertoire. A population of marginal zone-like cells is located exclusively in the spleen, while a population of quiescent Bsm is found only in the bone marrow. Three further resident populations, present in spleen and bone marrow, represent transitional and follicular B cells and B1 cells, respectively. A population representing 10-20% of spleen and bone marrow memory B cells is the only one qualifying as circulating. In the bone marrow, all cells individually dock onto VCAM1+ stromal cells and, reminiscent of resident memory T and plasma cells, are void of activation, proliferation and mobility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / immunology*
  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin Class Switching*
  • Immunologic Memory*
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / genetics
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / immunology
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / immunology*
  • Stromal Cells / cytology
  • Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / metabolism

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell
  • Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1