Lsc Regulates Marginal-Zone B Cell Migration and Adhesion and Is Required for the IgM T-Dependent Antibody Response

Abstract

The humoral immune response to protein antigens is composed of a rapid low-affinity IgM antibody response followed by an IgG response exhibiting higher affinity. Here, we demonstrate that Lsc, a protein that regulates G protein-coupled-receptor signaling and RhoA activation, is required by B lymphocytes for the antigen-specific IgM antibody response to a protein antigen. We further show that in lsc(-/-) mice, MZB cells are selectively affected such that naive and in vivo-activated MZB cells migrate toward sphingosine-1-phosphate at increased proportions but release inefficiently from integrin ligands. Consequently, lsc(-/-) MZB cells do not traffick appropriately in an immune response and do not contribute to the TD antibody response. These data demonstrate that Lsc regulates the migration and adhesion of MZB cells, and this regulation appears to be required for these cells to contribute to the antibody response to TD antigens.