B cell receptor-mediated uptake of CD1d-restricted antigen augments antibody responses by recruiting invariant NKT cell help in vivo

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Jun 17;105(24):8345-50. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0802968105. Epub 2008 Jun 11.

Abstract

Highly regulated activation of B cells is required for the production of specific antibodies necessary to provide protection from pathogen infection. This process is initiated by specific recognition of antigen through the B cell receptor (BCR), leading to early intracellular signaling followed by the late recruitment of T cell help. In this study we demonstrate that specific BCR uptake of CD1d-restricted antigens represents an effective means of enhancing invariant natural killer T (iNKT)-dependent B cell responses in vivo. This mechanism is effective over a wide range of antigen affinities but depends on exceeding a tightly regulated avidity threshold necessary for BCR-mediated internalization and CD1d-dependent presentation of particulate antigenic lipid. Subsequently, iNKT cells provide the help required for stimulating B cell proliferation and differentiation. iNKT-stimulated B cells develop within extrafollicular foci and mediate the production of high titers of specific IgM and early class-switched antibodies. Thus, we have demonstrated that in response to particulate antigenic lipids iNKT cells are recruited for the assistance of B cell activation, resulting in the enhancement of specific antibody responses. We propose that such a mechanism may operate to potentiate adaptive immune responses against pathogens in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation*
  • Antigen Presentation
  • Antigens, CD1 / metabolism*
  • Antigens, CD1d
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Line
  • Galactosylceramides / immunology
  • Immunization
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD1
  • Antigens, CD1d
  • Galactosylceramides
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell