Abstract
Follicular dendritic cell networks are said to be pivotal to both the formation of germinal centers (GCs) and their functions in generating antigen-specific antibody affinity maturation and B celt memory. We report that lymphotoxin β-deficient mice form GC cell clusters in the gross anatomical location expected of GCs, despite the complete absence of follicular dendritic cell networks. Furthermore, antigen-specific GC generation was at first relatively normal, but these GCs then rapidly regressed and GC-phase antibody affinity maturation was reduced. Lymphotoxin β-deficient mice also showed substantial B cell memory in their mesenteric lymph nodes. This memory antibody response was of relatively low affinity for antigen at week 4 after challenge, but by week 10 after challenge was comparable to wild-type, indicating that affinity maturation had failed in the GC phase but developed later.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 855-864 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of Experimental Medicine |
Volume | 189 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1 1999 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- B cell memory
- Follicular dendritic cells
- Germinal centers
- Knockout mice
- Lymphotoxin β
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology