title: Cutting edge: Macrophages are required for localization of antigen-activated B cells to the follicular perimeter and the subsequent germinal center response.
abstract: We demonstrated recently that, after accumulation of Ag-engaged B cells at the T cell zone boundaries in the spleen, these B cells migrate to the perimeter of follicles adjacent to the marginal zone. They undergo rapid proliferation at this site prior to coalescence into germinal centers (GCs). In this article, we report that this phase of migration and expansion of activated Ag-specific B cells, as well as subsequent formation of GCs, does not take place in the absence of splenic macrophages. Our data suggest a previously unappreciated function for macrophages in orchestrating the early phases of T cell-dependent B cell responses and formation of GCs distinct from their potential role in Ag presentation to T cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
authors.forename: Neda
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nikbakht
authors.forename: Shixue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Manser
mesh_terms: D019264:Adoptive Transfer; D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002465:Cell Movement; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D004002:Clodronic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D018858:Germinal Center / Q000276:immunology*; D008081:Liposomes / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D008081:Liposomes; D004002:Clodronic Acid