Preferential localization of IgG memory B cells adjacent to contracted germinal centers.

Aiba, Yuichi; Kometani, Kohei; Hamadate, Megumi; Moriyama, Saya; Sakaue-Sawano, Asako; Tomura, Michio; Luche, Hervé; Fehling, Hans Jörg et al. · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 2010

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

It has long been presumed that after leaving the germinal centers (GCs), memory B cells colonize the marginal zone or join the recirculating pool. Here we demonstrate the preferential localization of nitrophenol-chicken gamma-globulin-induced CD38(+)IgG1(+) memory B cells adjacent to contracted GCs in the spleen. The memory B cells in this region proliferated after secondary immunization, a response that was abolished by depletion of CD4(+) T cells. We also found that these IgG1(+) memory B cells could present antigen on their surface, and that this activity was required for their activation. These results implicate this peri-GC region as an important site for survival and reactivation of memory B cells.

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