The role of B cells in the establishment of T cell response in mice infected with an intracellular bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes.
To clarify the role of B cells in the establishment of T cell response against intracellular bacteria, B-cell-deficient (muMT-/-) mice were infected with an intracellular bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes, and T cell response against the bacteria was analyzed. On day 6 of primary Listeria infection, spleen T cells of the muMT-/- mice showed significantly lower levels of proliferative response and IFN-gamma production than those of normal infected mice after in vitro stimulation with listerial antigen. Even in the secondary Listeria infection after immunization with viable bacteria, spleen T cells of the muMT-/- mice proliferated and produced IFN-gamma against listerial antigen at significantly lower levels than those of normal immunized mice. These results demonstrate participation of B cells in priming of Listeria-specific T cells in vivo. However, B cells failed to present Listeria antigen to Listeria-specific T cells in vitro unless Listeria antigen was solubilized. Furthermore, transfer of immune serum from Listeria-infected normal mice failed to enhance the Listeria-specific T cell response of muMT-/- mice. The results indicate that B cells support the T cell response against intracellular bacteria through a mechanism other than their Ig production or antigen presentation function.
Matsuzaki
G
G
MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 0NN, United Kingdom. matsuzak@bioreg.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Vordermeier
H M
HM
Hashimoto
A
A
Nomoto
K
K
Ivanyi
J
J
D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000096:biosynthesis; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D018122:B7-1 Antigen / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051940:B7-2 Antigen; D005260:Female; D018390:Gene Targeting; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007148:Immunoglobulin mu-Chains / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D007424:Intracellular Fluid / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000276:immunology; D008088:Listeriosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D010047:Ovalbumin / Q000276:immunology; D012995:Solubility; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D015703:Antigens, CD; D018122:B7-1 Antigen; D051940:B7-2 Antigen; C497965:Cd86 protein, mouse; D007148:Immunoglobulin mu-Chains; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D010047:Ovalbumin