Toll-like receptor signaling in the generation of B1b cell memory

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and vaccination is the most effective means to control them. Persistence of memory B cells generated by vaccination is critical for the longevity of protective immunity, but the molecular mechanism required for their long-term maintenance is unknown. B cell responses generated in the absence of T cell-help had been considered short-lived and inefficient in generating B cell memory. Using the experimental model of Borrelia hermsii bacteremia, we discovered a novel role for B1b cells, a subset of mature B cells, in long-lasting memory responses in the absence of T cell-help. Specifically, we found that B1b cells expand concurrently with the resolution of B. hermsii bacteremia and persist for long time. B1b cells from convalescent mice but not from na¿ve mice generate a specific antibody response and confer long-lasting immunity, indicating that the protective response corresponds to B1b cell expansion and persistence as in the case of conventional B cell memory. B cell responses to T cell-independent antigens such as bacterial polysaccharides are generated primarily by cross-linking B cell antigen receptors (BCR). Although Pneumococcal polysaccharide is also recognized by B1b cells, it does not induce antibody responses in X-linked immunodeficient mice (xid) mice, which have a mutation in gene encoding for Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), which is required for optimal BCR-mediated signaling. In contrast, B. hermsii induces not only a specific antibody response but also a selective expansion of B1b cells in xid mice. These expanded B1b cells persist for long time, conferring upon the convalescent xid mice resistance to re-infection. These data suggest that immunostimulatory mechanisms other than BCR signaling can play an important role in the generation and maintenance of T cell-independent B1b cell memory. We found that B. hermsii is capable of activating Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and mice deficient in both Btk and MyD88, an adaptor protein required by multiple members of the TLR family, are severely impaired in mounting protective responses indicating that a coordinated signaling through BCR and TLR is critical. We have also found that TLR and BCR signaling pathways synergize to upregulate BR3 and TACI, the major receptors for B Lymphocyte Stimulator (BLyS, also known as BAFF), on B1b cells in vitro. Furthermore, we found that immunization with whole bacteria also induces BR3 up-regulation on expanded antigen-specific B1b cells in vivo. BLyS, by engaging BR3, induces the expression of the pro-survival molecules Mcl-1 and Bcl-XL and kinases involved in cellular metabolic fitness and B cell homeostasis. These findings led us to hypothesize that B1b cells that have responded to both BCR and TLR stimulation express higher levels of BR3 and TACI and are preferentially maintained over na¿ve B cells or B cells that are stimulated by BCR cross-linking alone as in the case of plain polysaccharide antigens. Identifying the role of TLR and BLyS signaling in B1b cell expansion and long-term maintenance will provide novel approaches for the generation of effective vaccines.