In response to T cell-dependent antigens, B cells proliferate extensively to form germinal centres (GC), and then differentiate into memory B (B mem ) cells or long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) by largely unknown mechanisms. Here we show a new culture system in which mouse na ï ve B cells undergo massive expansion and isotype switching, and generate GC-phenotype B (iGB) cells. The iGB cells expressing IgG1 or IgM / D, but not IgE, differentiate into B mem cells in vivo after adoptive transfer and can elicit rapid immune responses with the help of cognate T cells. Secondary culture with IL-21 maintains the proliferation of the iGB cells, while shifting their in vivo developmental fate from B mem cells to LLPCs, an outcome that can be reversed by withdrawal of IL-21 in tertiary cultures. Thus, this system enables in vitro manipulation of B-cell fate, into either B mem cells or LLPCs, and will facilitate dissection of GC-B cell differentiation programs.

Aberrant production of IgE antibodies can lead to allergic diseases. Normally, IgE(+) B cells rarely differentiate into memory B cells (Bmem) or long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs), as they only transiently participate in the germinal center (GC), but the mechanism behind this remains elusive. We found that membrane IgE (mIgE) autonomously triggered rapid plasma-cell differentiation and apoptosis independently of antigen or cellular context, predominantly through the mutually independent CD19-PI3K-Akt-IRF4 and BLNK-Jnk/p38 pathways, respectively, and we identified the ectodomains of mIgE as being responsible. Accordingly, deregulated GC IgE(+) B cell proliferation and prolonged IgE production with exaggerated anaphylaxis were observed in CD19- and BLNK-deficient mice. Our findings reveal an autonomous mIgE signaling mechanism that normally prevents IgE(+) Bmem and LLPC formation, providing insights into the molecular pathogenesis of allergic diseases.

Memory B cells (B cells) are the basis of long-lasting humoral immunity. They respond to re-encountered antigens by rapidly producing specific antibodies and forming germinal centers (GCs), a recall response that has been known for decades but remains poorly understood. We found that the receptor for the cytokine IL-9 (IL-9R) was induced selectively on B cells after primary immunization and that IL-9R-deficient mice exhibited a normal primary antibody response but impaired recall antibody responses, with attenuated population expansion and plasma-cell differentiation of B cells. In contrast, there was augmented GC formation, possibly due to defective downregulation of the ligand for the co-stimulatory receptor ICOS on B cells. A fraction of B cells produced IL-9. These findings indicate that IL-9R signaling in B cells regulates humoral recall responses.

Highlights d IL-4-signaling induces Bcl6 expression and GC B cell differentiation d IL-4 alters TCA cycle to accumulate aKG, a cofactor for H3K27-demethylase d STAT6 recruits H3K27-demethylase UTX, leading to activation of the Bcl6 locus d GC B cell development requires aKG and enzymes regulating aKG level

The germinal center (GC) is the site where B cells undergo clonal expansion, affinity-based selection, and differentiation into memory B cells or plasma cells. It has been difficult to elucidate regulatory mechanisms for the dynamic GC B cell maturation and differentiation, partly because experimental manipulation of GC B cells in vivo has been limited and no in vitro system has been available that resembles B cell reaction in GC. Here we describe the protocol for a culture system named "induced GC B (iGB) culture system" which can induce massive expansion of B cells that exhibit GC B cell-like phenotype, and thus it mimics the GC reaction. This protocol can be useful to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of GC B cell differentiation.