Immunoglobulin M Production Research Articles

B-1b Cells Have Unique Functional Traits Compared to B-1a Cells at Homeostasis and in Aged Hyperlipidemic Mice With Atherosclerosis.

Immunoglobulin M (IgM) to oxidation specific epitopes (OSE) are inversely associated with atherosclerosis in mice and humans. The B-1b subtype of B-1 cells secrete IgM to OSE, and unlike B-1a cells, are capable of long-lasting IgM memory. What attributes make B-1b cells different than B-1a cells is unknown. Our objectives were to determine how B-1b cells produce more IgM compared to B-1a cells at homeostatic condition and to see the differences in the B-1a and B-1b cell distribution and IgM CDR-H3 sequences in mice with advanced atherosclerosis. Here, in-vivo studies demonstrated greater migration to spleen, splenic production of IgM and plasma IgM levels in ApoE-/-Rag1-/- mice intraperitoneally injected with equal numbers of B-1b compared to B-1a cells. Bulk RNA seq analysis and flow cytometry of B-1a and B-1b cells identified CCR6 as a chemokine receptor more highly expressed on B-1b cells compared to B-1a. Knockout of CCR6 resulted in reduced B-1b cell migration to the spleen. Moreover, B-1b cell numbers were significantly higher in spleen of aged atherosclerotic ApoE-/- mice compared to young ApoE-/- mice. Single cell sequencing results of IgHM in B-1a and B-1b cells from peritoneal cavity and spleen of atherosclerotic aged ApoE-/- mice revealed significantly more N additions at the V-D and D-J junctions, greater diversity in V region usage and CDR-H3 sequences in B-1b compared to B-1a cells. In summary, B-1b cells demonstrated enhanced CCR6-mediated splenic migration, IgM production, and IgM repertoire diversification compared to B-1a cells. These findings suggest that potential strategies to selectively augment B-1b cell numbers and splenic trafficking could lead to increased and more diverse IgM targeting OSE to limit atherosclerosis.

Unique B-1 cells specific for both N-pyrrolated proteins and DNA evolve with apolipoprotein E deficiency

Lysine N-pyrrolation, a posttranslational modification, which converts lysine residues to Nε-pyrrole-L-lysine, imparts electronegative properties to proteins, causing them to mimic DNA. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) has been identified as a soluble receptor for pyrrolated proteins (pyrP), and accelerated lysine N-pyrrolation has been observed in apoE-deficient (apoE−/−) hyperlipidemic mice. However, the impact of pyrP accumulation consequent to apoE deficiency on the innate immune response remains unclear. Here, we investigated B-1a cells known to produce germline-encoded immunoglobulin M (IgM) from mice deficient in apoE and identified a particular cell population that specifically produces IgM antibodies against pyrP and DNA. We demonstrated an expansion of B-1a cells involved in IgM production in the peritoneal cavity of apoE−/− mice compared with wild-type mice, consistent with a progressive increase of IgM response in the mouse sera. We found that pyrP exhibited preferential binding to B-1a cells and facilitated the production of IgM. B cell receptor analysis of pyrP-specific B-1a cells showed restricted usage of gene segments selected from the germline gene set; most sequences contained high levels of non-templated-nucleotide additions (N-additions) that could contribute to junctional diversity of B cell receptors. Finally, we report that a subset of monoclonal IgM antibodies against pyrP/DNA established from the apoE−/− mice also contained abundant N-additions. These results suggest that the accumulation of pyrP due to apoE deficiency may influence clonal diversity in the pyrP-specific B cell repertoire. The discovery of these unique B-1a cells for pyrP/DNA provides a key link connecting covalent protein modification, lipoprotein metabolism, and innate immunity.

Recognition of acrolein-specific epitopes by B cell receptors triggers an innate immune response

Natural antibodies, predominantly immunoglobulin M (IgM), play an important role in the defense against pathogens and in maintaining homeostasis against oxidized molecules known as oxidation-specific epitopes, such as those contained in oxidized low-density lipoproteins. However, owing to the complexity of the oxidized products, very few individual epitopes have been characterized in detail. In the present study, to identify endogenous sources of oxidation-specific epitopes, we stimulated mouse spleen and peritoneal cavity (PerC) cells in vitro with bovine serum albumin modified with a variety of lipid peroxidation–related carbonyl compounds and identified the acrolein-modified bovine serum albumin as the most efficient trigger studied for the production of IgM in PerC cells. The acrolein-specific epitopes accelerated the differentiation of B-1a cells, a fetal-derived B cell lineage, to plasma cells. In addition, acrolein-modified bovine serum albumin was specifically bound to B-1a cells, suggesting the presence of an acrolein-specific IgM–B cell receptor (BCR). A hybridoma, RE-G25, producing an acrolein-specific IgM, was established from the PerC cells and was indeed identified as a population of B cells expressing a specific IgM–BCR. In addition, we analyzed the BCR repertoire of acrolein-specific B cells and identified the most frequent IgM heavy chain gene segments of the B cells. These data established the presence of innate B cells expressing the acrolein-specific BCR and suggested that in addition to our understanding of acrolein as a toxic aldehyde, it may play a role as a trigger of the innate immune response.

Generated Immune Responses and Antibody-Mediated Immunity Against Corona Virus Disease-19: An Updated Review

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new pathogen which has become an uncontrollable pandemic. On the other hand, the humoral immune system, as a defensive line, protects the body by producing antibodies. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and G (IgG) are considered as the most important antibodies that are produced by the immune system of the host. Previous evaluations on the production of IgM and IgG antibodies by patients suffering from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection specifies that IgM is an acute phase antibody and increases on the first days of infection. Then, as the chronic phase begins, the level of the IgM decreases and switches to the production of IgG. In addition, the durability of the IgG antibody shows the duration of the immunity against COVID-19. Thus, the present review article focused on the antibody production mechanism in studies conducted on COVID-19 patients, the protection role of antibodies, and their stability.

SLy2-deficiency promotes B-1 cell immunity and triggers enhanced production of IgM and IgG2 antibodies against pneumococcal vaccine.

BackgroundDespite the benefits of existing vaccines, Streptococcus pneumoniae is still responsible for the greatest proportion of respiratory tract infections around the globe, thereby substantially contributing to morbidity and mortality in humans. B‐1 cells are key players of bacterial clearance during pneumococcal infection and even provide long‐lasting immunity towards S. pneumoniae. Previous reports strongly suggest an essential role of the immunoinhibitory adapter Src homology domain 3 lymphocyte protein 2 (SLy2) for B‐1 cell‐mediated antibody production. The objective of this study is to evaluate S. pneumoniae‐directed B cell responses in the context of SLy2 deficiency.MethodsB‐1 cell populations were analyzed via flow cytometry before and after pneumococcal immunization of SLy2‐deficient and wild‐type control mice. Global and vaccine‐specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibody titers were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. To investigate survival rates during acute pneumococcal lung infection, mice were intranasally challenged with S. pneumoniae (serotype 3). Complementary isolated splenic B cells were stimulated in vitro and their proliferative response was assessed by fluorescent staining. In vitro antibody secretion was quantified by LEGENDplex.ResultsWe demonstrate increased frequencies of B‐1 cells and elevated titers of preantigenic IgM in SLy2‐deficient mice. In addition, these mice produce significantly more amounts of IgM and IgG2 upon pneumococcal vaccination. Knocking out SLy2 did not induce survival advantages in our murine model of acute pneumonia, indicating the presence of compensatory mechanisms.ConclusionOur results reveal reinforced specific antibody responses towards pneumococcal polysaccharides and enhanced IgG2 secretion as a consequence of SLy2 deficiency, which could be relevant to the development of more efficient vaccines.

The dynamics of immune response in COVID-19 patients with different illness severity.

This study aimed to analyze the dynamic changes of lymphocyte subsets and specific antibodies in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with different illness severity.The amounts of lymphocyte subsets and the levels of immunoglobulinM (IgM) and IgG antibodywere retrospectively analyzed in 707 COVID-19 cases.The amounts of lymphocyte subsets were significantly decreased with the increased severity of illness and the levels of IgM and IgG were lower in critical cases than severe and moderate cases. In deceased patients, the lymphocytes subsets were significantly lower than recovered patients. However, the relationship between the levels of IgM and IgG and the amounts of lymphocyte subsets were not significantly correlated. During different stages of COVID-19, the total T cell, CD4+ T cell, and CD8+ T cell counts were gradually recovered to the normal levels in severe and critical groups but the changing trend was relatively stable in the moderate group. The production of IgM and IgG antibodies were delayed in critical groups but also could reach the peak levels at one month after illness onset and decreased to background levels.To detect the kinetics of lymphocytes and antibodies has important clinical value in predicting the illness severity and understanding the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

Pegfilgrastim (PEG-G-CSF) Induces Anti-polyethylene Glycol (PEG) IgM via a T Cell-Dependent Mechanism.

Protein-based therapeutics are beginning to be widely used in various clinical settings. Conjugation of polyethylene glycol (PEGylation) to protein therapeutics improves their circulation half-lives in the body. However, we and other groups observed that the initial dose of some PEGylated protein-based therapeutics may induce anti-PEG antibodies (primarily immunoglobulin M (IgM)), resulting in the accelerated clearance of a second dose. The mechanism behind the induction of anti-PEG IgM by PEGylated protein-based therapeutics is still unclear. In this study, we found that Pegfilgrastim (PEG-G-CSF, the PEGylated form of the recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) induced anti-PEG IgM in mice when administered via either intravenous or subcutaneous administration. However, the anti-PEG IgM induction is diminished both in athymic nude mice lacking T cells and in splenectomized mice. In addition, anti-PEG IgM production was significantly diminished in the cyclophosphamide-treated mice depleted of B-cells. These results indicate that anti-PEG IgM production by Pegfilgrastim occurs in spleen in a T cell-dependent manner, which differs from anti-PEG IgM induced by PEGylated liposomes. However, B cells, both marginal zone and follicular, are essential for anti-PEG IgM production in both PEGylated preparations.

Baicalin inhibits IgG production by regulating Treg/Th17 axis in a mouse model of red blood cell transfusion

This study was conducted to evaluate whether baicalin inhibits red blood cell (RBC) immunization and elucidate the underlying mechanism. We used human RBCs with adjuvant lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and transfused mice to induce antibodies as an experimental system for studying the effect of baicalin on RBC immunization. Mice were divided into a human RBC transfused positive control group administered with human RBC and LPS intravenously once or weekly for 4 weeks, control group administered dexamethasone (DEX) intraperitoneally daily for 4 weeks, and treatment group administered baicalin intraperitoneally daily for 4 weeks. Assessment of human RBC immunization was performed by measuring serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) against human RBC weekly. Lymphocyte changes in spleen were monitored by flow cytometry. We found that baicalin treatment significantly decreased serum IgG but not IgM production in a time and does dependent manner, with a concomitant reduction in Th17 cells and increase in CD4 regulatory T cells in the spleen. The percentage of CD4-positive cells in the spleen was not decreased in the baicalin-treated group but was decreased in the dexamethasone-treated group. In conclusion, baicalin inhibited RBC immunization, particularly IgG production by regulating the Treg/Th17 axis without damaging spleen function.

Estradiol Affects Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation-Induced Thyrotropin Receptor Antibody and Immunoglobulin Production in Graves' Disease Patients and Healthy Controls.

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a gamma-herpesvirus persisting mainly in human B lymphocytes. EBV reactivation induces host cells to differentiate into plasma cells and is related to autoimmune diseases. Graves’ disease, an autoimmune hyperthyroidism, is caused by the thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb), which overstimulates thyroid stimulating hormone receptor. The disease occurs predominantly in women, which suggests involvement with estrogen. Graves’ disease patients and healthy controls have EBV-infected lymphocytes with TRAb on the surface (TRAb(+)EBV(+) cells) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). TRAb can be produced by reactivation of EBV in vitro, which is an alternative system of antibody production. In this study, we cultured PBMCs from Graves’ disease patients and healthy controls with 0, 1, and 100 nM estradiol, corresponding to control, midluteal, and pregnancy levels, respectively, and analyzed the levels of TRAb, total-IgG, and total-IgM during EBV reactivation. We found that 1 nM estradiol increased TRAb levels and 100 nM estradiol slightly lowered them in both patients and controls. In patients, IgM production at 100 nM estradiol was significantly lower than that at 0 nM estradiol (p = 0.028). Estradiol increased the ratio of IgG production to immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) production (IgG/IgG + IgM), which suggested an increase in class switch recombination in the process of EBV reactivation-induced Ig production. Moreover, TRAb production was stimulated by a midluteal level of estradiol and was suppressed by a pregnancy level of estradiol in controls and patients. These results were consistent with premenstrual worsening and maternity improving of autoimmune diseases, including Graves’ disease.

Eudesmin attenuates Helicobacter pylori-induced epithelial autophagy and apoptosis and leads to eradication of H. pylori infection.

Eudesmin has been proven to possess anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, the effects of eudesmin on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-mediated autophagy, apoptosis, immune response and inflammation were determined in human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells in vitro and in C57BL/6 mice in vivo. Detection of the production of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1β and immunoglobulin M (IgM) was performed using ELISA. Identification of the activation of apoptosis-associated caspase-3, −8 and −9 proteins, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and BH3 interacting domain death agonist (Bid) protein, was determined through western blot analysis. Autophagy microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3, isoform B (LC-3B) expression was measured using immunostaining. The results of the present study demonstrated that eudesmin inhibited the growth of H. pylori, with increased inhibition activity against antibiotic resistant strains compared with the reference strain. In addition, H. pylori-induced IL-8 secretion, LC-3B expression and apoptosis-associated protein (caspase-3, −8 and −9, Bax and Bid) activation in AGS cells was suppressed by eudesmin. Furthermore, eudesmin suppressed IL-1β and IgM production in H. pylori-infected C57BL/6 mice in vivo. In conclusion, eudesmin may be developed as a promising therapeutic agent to prevent and/or treat H. pylori-associated gastric inflammation.

Lack of in vivo cross-protection of two different betanodavirus species RGNNV and SJNNV in European sea bass Dicentrachus labrax

Viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER) is a severe infective disease characterized by neuropathological changes in several fish species associated with high mortality. The etiological agent is a virus belonging to the Nodaviridae family, genus Betanodavirus. To date, four different betanodavirus species have been officially recognized by International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV), namely the red-spotted grouper- (RGNNV), the striped jack- (SJNNV), the barfin flounder- (BFNNV) and the tiger puffer nervous necrosis virus (TPNNV). Moreover, two reassortants RGNNV/SJNNV and SJNNV/RGNNV have been described.Betanodaviruses can be classified into three different serotypes (A, B and C) that are antigenically different, so none (between serotype A and C) or partial (between serotype B and C) cross-immunoreactivity has been detected in vitro.In this study we investigated the in vivo cross-protection of the two main betanodavirus species (RGNNV and SJNNV), which belong to distinct serotype, by immunizing intraperitoneally (IP) juvenile sea bass with formalin inactivated RGNNV and SJNNV vaccines, followed by a challenge with RGNNV.Fish IP vaccinated with inactivated RGNNV showed a high protection value (85%). Serological analyses highlighted a great specific anti-NNV immunoglobulin M (IgM) production against the homologous virus, while a good seroconversion with low neutralization property was highlighted against the heterologous virus. In fish IP vaccinated with inactivated SJNNV the protection recorded was equal to 25%, significantly lower respect to the one provided by RGNNV IP vaccine. ELISA test detected good IgM production against the homologous virus, and a lower, but still detectable IgM production against the heterologous one. By contrast, serum neutralization test highlighted a poorly detectable antibody production unable to neutralize either the homologous or the heterologous virus.These results confirm that the two serotypes are not cross-protective in vivo. According to these findings, the production of multivalent formulation, or at least the provision of different types of vaccines based on both fish and virus species requirement, should be recommended in order to broaden the range of protection.

Reduced Immunocompetent B Cells and Increased Secondary Infection in Elderly Patients With Severe Sepsis.

Lymphocyte exhaustion was recently recognized as a mechanism of immunosuppression in sepsis. While B cells are known to play pivotal roles in bacterial infection and sepsis, changes in B-cell-mediated humoral immunity have not been evaluated in critically ill septic patients. We aimed to investigate changes in humoral immunity caused by defective B-cell function during severe sepsis. Thirty-three severe sepsis patients and 44 healthy subjects were prospectively enrolled. Blood was collected from patients within 72 h of and 8 to 11 h after sepsis onset to measure B-cell subtypes, serum immunoglobulin M concentration, and CpG-B oligodeoxynucleotide-induced immunoglobulin M (IgM) production ex vivo. Participants were divided into two age groups: adults (18-64 years) and elderly (≥65 years). The fraction of CD21 exhausted B cells in acute sepsis patients (3.18%) was higher than that observed in healthy donors (0.77%, respectively, P <0.01). Significantly, serum IgM in elderly septic patients (≥65 years) was negatively correlated with acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score (r = -0.57, P <0.05). Consistently, in B cells stimulated ex vivo, both aging and sepsis induced significant reductions in supernatant IgM (P <0.01). This finding was clinically relevant, as elderly patients with decreased IgM production might be more susceptible to infection by Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Reduced immunocompetent B cells may be related to increased secondary infection after sepsis, especially in the elderly. Finally, impaired humoral immunity with increased CD21 exhausted B cells and insufficient immunoglobulin M production may be a critical immunological change in sepsis.

Immunopotentiality of Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations “Saribadi” and “Anantamul Salsa” with augmentation of IgM production and lymphocytes proliferation: A preliminary study

ObjectiveTo assess the immunopotentiality of Ayurvedic polyherbal preparations, “Saribadi” and “Anantamul Salsa”. MethodsFreshly prepared BALB/c mice splenocytes were cultured with “Saribadi” or “Anantamul Salsa” treatment [doses of 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00%, 1.50%, 2.00%, 3.00% and 4.00% (v/v)] at 37 °C for 5 days. The immunoglobulin M (IgM) production and lymphocytes proliferation were determined by ELISA and MTT methods, respectively. Endotoxin contamination was assessed by treating the preparations with polymyxin B. ResultsThe doses of “Saribadi” [0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00% (v/v)] significantly increased IgM productions (0.966, 0.728, 0.695 and 0.615 μg/mL vs. control 0.265 μg/mL) and lymphocytes proliferation [absorbance 0.311, 0.394, 0.372 and 0.334 optical density (OD) vs. control 0.162 OD]. Similarly, the doses of “Anantamul Salsa” [0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00% and 1.50% (v/v)] promoted IgM productions (0.933, 0.919, 0.917 and 0.892 μg/mL vs. control 0.502 μg/mL) and the doses of “Anantamul Salsa” [0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00%, 1.50%, 2.00%, and 3.00% (v/v)] stimulated lymphocytes proliferation (absorbance 0.395, 0.326, 0.440, 0.398, 0.452 and 0.355 OD vs. control 0.199 OD). The activity of “Saribadi” and “Anantamul Salsa” was not retarded by the treatment of preparations with polymyxin B. ConclusionsImmunomodulatory activity of “Saribadi” and “Anantamul Salsa” was unveiled for the first time. “Saribadi” and “Anantamul Salsa” possess immunostimulating potential acting through the induction of lymphocyte proliferation and IgM production. These preparations may be useful in strengthening immune responses. However, further cellular and in vivo studies are required.

Preliminary Results from a Phase 1/2, Open-Label, Dose-Escalation Clinical Trial of IMO-8400 in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia

Introduction: Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare, indolent B-cell lymphoma characterized by lymphoplasmacytic cell infiltration of bone marrow and elevated serum levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) protein. Despite recent advances in treatment the disease relapses in most patients. About 90% of WM patients harbor the MYD88 L265P oncogenic mutation. MYD88 is an adapter protein in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway. The MYD88 L265P oncoprotein has been shown to amplify TLR 7 and 9 signaling, leading to downstream activation of NF-κB and cytokine signaling pathways that promote tumor cell survival and proliferation (Lim, AACR 2013). IMO-8400 is an investigational oligonucleotide antagonist of endosomal TLRs 7, 8 and 9. In preclinical studies in a human cell line and animal models of WM, IMO-8400 inhibited key cell signaling pathways, including NF-κB, BTK, STAT-3 and IRAK-4, and inhibited tumor growth and tumor IgM production. In Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials in healthy subjects (N=30) and in patients with autoimmune disease (N=35), IMO-8400 was generally well tolerated and demonstrated evidence of clinical activity. Based on these data, we initiated a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of IMO-8400 in WM, the first study of a drug candidate specifically targeting the MYD88 L265P mutation.Methods: This Phase 1/2 multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation clinical trial continues to recruit adult patients with relapsed or refractory WM (NCT Identifier: NCT02092909). In a classic 3x3 dose escalation scheme, patients are enrolled in one of three sequential escalating dose cohorts and receive subcutaneous IMO-8400 at dosages of 0.6, 1.2 or 2.4 mg/kg per week, respectively, for 24 weeks. The presence of the MYD88 L265P mutation is assessed by PCR-based genetic screening following enrollment. Patients who complete the 24-week treatment period are eligible to enroll in an extension trial. The primary study objective is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of escalating IMO-8400 dosages. Secondary objectives include preliminary evaluation of clinical response based on international guidelines and identification of an optimal dose for further evaluation (Kimby, Clin Lymphoma Myeloma 2006).Results: Overall, 17 patients (6 female, 11 male) have been enrolled in three dose cohorts to date. Median baseline characteristics include: age 66 years, prior therapies 4 (range 1-13), serum IgM 2,225 mg/dL, serum M protein 0.96 g/dL, and B2-microglobulin 3.42 mg/L. IMO-8400 has been generally well tolerated across all dose cohorts to date, with patient exposure ranging from 2-46 weeks in the Phase 1/2 and extension trials. The most common adverse events reported to date include transient flu-like symptoms and injection site reactions. One serious adverse event of worsening grade 3 arthritis, deemed possibly related to study drug, was reported in a patient with a pre-existing history of arthritis in the 2.4 mg/kg dose cohort. This patient discontinued study treatment. To date, no other patients have discontinued treatment due to treatment-related adverse events. Preliminary evidence of clinical activity for IMO-8400 has been observed in all dose cohorts. In June 2015, an independent Data Review Committee reviewed 4-week safety data from the highest dose cohort and agreed that 2.4 mg/kg was safe for further evaluation. Safety, pharmacokinetics and preliminary activity for all three dose cohorts will be presented.Conclusions: IMO-8400 is a mutation-targeted therapy in development for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory WM. In an ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial in WM, IMO-8400 has been generally well tolerated and has demonstrated preliminary evidence of clinical activity. Safety results support continued evaluation of IMO-8400 at 2.4 mg/kg/week in this patient population. DisclosuresThomas:Novartis, Celgene, Acerta Pharmaceuticals, Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Harb:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding; Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Beck:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Nashat:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Ansell:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Eradat:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Libby:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Hajdenberg:Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Speakers Bureau; AbbVie: Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Heffner:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Hoffman:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Vesole:Celgene Corporation: Speakers Bureau; Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Simov:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Wyant:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Brevard:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Employment. O'Leary:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Agrawal:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Employment.

Inflammation rapidly reorganizes mouse bone marrow B cells and their environment in conjunction with early IgM responses

AbstractSystemic inflammation perturbs the bone marrow environment by evicting resident B cells and favoring granulopoiesis over lymphopoiesis. Despite these conditions, a subset of marrow B cell remains to become activated and produce potent acute immunoglobulin M (IgM) responses. This discrepancy is currently unresolved and a complete characterization of early perturbations in the B-cell niche has not been undertaken. Here, we show that within a few hours of challenging mice with adjuvant or cecal puncture, B cells accumulate in the bone marrow redistributed away from sinusoid vessels. This response correlates with enhanced sensitivity to CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) but not CXCL13 or CC chemokine ligand 21. Concurrently, a number of B-cell survival and differentiation factors are elevated to produce a transiently supportive milieu. Disrupting homing dynamics with a CXC chemokine receptor 4 inhibitor reduced the formation of IgM-secreting cells. These data highlight the rapidity with which peripheral inflammation modifies the marrow compartment, and demonstrate that such modifications regulate acute IgM production within this organ. Furthermore, our study indicates that conversion to a state of emergency granulopoiesis is temporally delayed, allowing B cells opportunity to respond to antigen.

IRAK-4 and MyD88 deficiencies impair IgM responses against T-independent bacterial antigens

AbstractIRAK-4 and MyD88 deficiencies impair interleukin 1 receptor and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling and lead to heightened susceptibility to invasive bacterial infections. Individuals with these primary immunodeficiencies have fewer immunoglobulin M (IgM)+IgD+CD27+ B cells, a population that resembles murine splenic marginal zone B cells that mount T-independent antibody responses against bacterial antigens. However, the significance of this B-cell subset in humans is poorly understood. Using both a 610 carbohydrate array and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we found that patients with IRAK-4 and MyD88 deficiencies have reduced serum IgM, but not IgG antibody, recognizing T-independent bacterial antigens. Moreover, the quantity of specific IgM correlated with IgM+IgD+CD27+ B-cell frequencies. As with mouse marginal zone B cells, human IgM+CD27+ B cells activated by TLR7 or TLR9 agonists produced phosphorylcholine-specific IgM. Further linking splenic IgM+IgD+CD27+ B cells with production of T-independent IgM, serum from splenectomized subjects, who also have few IgM+IgD+CD27+ B cells, had reduced antibacterial IgM. IRAK-4 and MyD88 deficiencies impaired TLR-induced proliferation of this B-cell subset, suggesting a means by which loss of this activation pathway leads to reduced cell numbers. Thus, by bolstering the IgM+IgD+CD27+ B-cell subset, IRAK-4 and MyD88 promote optimal T-independent IgM antibody responses against bacteria in humans.

Pleural innate response activator B cells protect against pneumonia via a GM-CSF-IgM axis.

Pneumonia is a major cause of mortality worldwide and a serious problem in critical care medicine, but the immunophysiological processes that confer either protection or morbidity are not completely understood. We show that in response to lung infection, B1a B cells migrate from the pleural space to the lung parenchyma to secrete polyreactive emergency immunoglobulin M (IgM). The process requires innate response activator (IRA) B cells, a transitional B1a-derived inflammatory subset which controls IgM production via autocrine granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) signaling. The strategic location of these cells, coupled with the capacity to produce GM-CSF-dependent IgM, ensures effective early frontline defense against bacteria invading the lungs. The study describes a previously unrecognized GM-CSF-IgM axis and positions IRA B cells as orchestrators of protective IgM immunity.

Involvement of natural immunoglobulin M secreted by epithelial cells in innate immune response (P4155)

Abstract It is well known that B-1 B cells are the main cell type which is responsible for the production of natural immunoglobulin M (IgM) and can respond to infection by increasing IgM secretion. However, in this study, we reported that some epithelial cells also can secrete natural IgM that has natural IgM characteristics. 1. Epithelial cell-derived IgM revealed germline-encoded and restricted VDJ/VJ rearrangement patterns. 2. Epithelial cells can spontaneously secrete IgM, however, TLR9 agonists, CpG, can increase the secretion of IgM in epithelial cancer cells. 3. The CD79A and CD79B, two molecules that are physically linked to membranous IgM on the surface of B cells to form the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) complex, were also expressed on the cell surface of epithelial cancer cells and co-located with IgM to form BCR-like complex. 4. The epithelial cancer cell-derived IgM showed oligo-reactivity, which can recognize single-stranded DNA, double-stranded DNA, lipopolysaccharide, and some autoantigens. Our findings further expand the understanding for the significance of epithelial cells in the innate immune response, especially in the anti-bacterial immunity via secretion of IgM. In addition, this finding suggested that B-1 B cells may be not the main cell type that is responsible for the production of natural IgM.

&lt;i&gt;Ex-Vivo&lt;/i&gt;/&lt;i&gt;in-Vitro&lt;/i&gt; Anti-polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Immunoglobulin M Production from Murine Splenic B Cells Stimulated by PEGylated Liposome

We have reported that PEGylated liposomes lose their long-circulating properties when injected twice into the same animal within a certain interval (the accelerated blood clearance (ABC) phenomenon). We assumed that this phenomenon was triggered via the abundant secretion of anti-polyethylene glycol (PEG) immunoglobulin M (IgM) in response to the first dose of PEGylated liposomes and that the spleen played an important role in the production of anti-PEG IgM. However, no direct evidence has yet confirmed this suspicion. In the current study, we verified, both in vitro and ex vivo, that spleen cells are indeed responsible for the production of anti-PEG IgM in response to PEGylated liposomes. In this study, spleen cells obtained from either naïve mice or mice pre-treated with PEGylated liposomes induced the production of anti-PEG IgM in a dose- and time-dependent manner, upon incubation with PEGylated liposomes. In addition, we confirmed that among the different fractions of splenic B cells, IgM-positive B cells, rather than CD45R-positive or CD19-positive splenic B cells, which are presumed to be the marginal zone B (MZB) cells, are the major cells producing anti-PEG IgM in the response to stimulation by PEGylated liposomes. These results may provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the anti-PEG IgM production in response to the stimulation by PEGylated liposomes.

Kinetics of circulating immunoglobulin M in sepsis: relationship with final outcome

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the kinetics of immunoglobulin M (IgM) during the different stages of sepsis.MethodsIn this prospective multicenter study, blood sampling for IgM measurement was done within the first 24 hours from diagnosis in 332 critically ill patients; in 83 patients this was repeated upon progression to more severe stages. Among these 83 patients, 30 patients with severe sepsis progressed into shock and IgM was monitored daily for seven consecutive days. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 55 patients and stimulated for IgM production.ResultsSerum IgM was decreased in septic shock compared to patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and patients with severe sepsis. Paired comparisons at distinct time points of the sepsis course showed that IgM was decreased only when patients deteriorated from severe sepsis to septic shock. Serial measurements in these patients, beginning from the early start of vasopressors, showed that the distribution of IgM over time was significantly greater for survivors than for non-survivors. Production of IgM by PBMCs was significantly lower at all stages of sepsis compared with healthy controls.ConclusionsSpecific changes of circulating IgM occur when patients with severe sepsis progress into septic shock. The distribution of IgM is lower among non-survivors.