Control of Germinal Center Reaction against T-Independent Antigens by the Fc(alpha)/(mu)Receptor (53.7)

Abstract

Abstract Germinal center (GC) formation in the secondary lymphoid follicles is induced by immunization with T-independent (TI) as well as T-dependent (TD) antigens. However, structural and functional characteristics of the GC induced by TI antigens have not been elucidated. Here, we show that marginal zone B (MZB) cells and follicular dendritic cells (FDC) preferentially express the Fc receptor for IgM and IgA (Fc(alpha)/(mu)R) as well as the complement receptor CD21/35. Mice deficient in Fc(alpha)/(mu)R showed significantly enhanced GC formation in response to TI antigens, in which both B cells and FDC were involved. Fc(alpha)/(mu)R-deficient mice also showed enhanced TI antigen retention by MZB cells and FDC, CXCL13 expression and affinity maturation of IgG3. Depletion of complements by injection with cobra venom factor completely abrogated this phenotype. These results suggest that Fc(alpha)/(mu)R controls GC reactions and affinity maturation of antibodies against TI antigens by interacting with complement cascades.