The Myc family of oncogenic transcription factors regulates myriad cellular functions. Myc proteins contain a basic region/helix-loop-helix/leucine zipper domain that mediates DNA binding and heterodimerization with its partner Max. Among the Myc proteins, c-Myc is the most widely expressed and relevant in primary B lymphocytes. There is evidence suggesting that c-Myc can perform some of its functions in the absence of Max in different cellular contexts. However, the functional interplay between c-Myc and Max during B lymphocyte differentiation is not well understood. Using and models, we show that while c-Myc requires Max in primary B lymphocytes, several key biological processes, such as cell differentiation and DNA replication, can initially progress without the formation of c-Myc/Max heterodimers. We also describe that B lymphocytes lacking Myc, Max, or both show upregulation of signaling pathways associated with the B-cell receptor. These data suggest that c-Myc/Max heterodimers are not essential for the initiation of a subset of important biological processes in B lymphocytes, but are required for fine-tuning the initial response after activation.

p38MAP kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathways are important regulators of inflammation and the immune response; their involvement in immune cell development and function is still largely unknown. Here we analysed the role of the p38 MAPK isoforms p38γ and p38δ in B cell differentiation in bone marrow (BM) and spleen, using mice lacking p38γ and p38δ, or conditional knockout mice that lack both p38γ and p38δ specifically in the B cell compartment. We found that the B cell differentiation programme in the BM was not affected in p38γ/δ-deficient mice. Moreover, these mice had reduced numbers of peripheral B cells as well as altered marginal zone B cell differentiation in the spleen. Expression of co-stimulatory proteins and activation markers in p38γ/δ-deficient B cells are diminished in response to B cell receptor (BCR) and CD40 stimulation; p38γ and p38δ were necessary for B cell proliferation induced by BCR and CD40 but not by TLR4 signaling. Furthermore, p38γ/δ-null mice produced significantly lower antibody responses to T-dependent antigens. Our results identify unreported functions for p38γ and p38δ in B cells and in the T-dependent humoral response; and show that the combined activity of these kinases is needed for peripheral B cell differentiation and function.

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) limit antigen receptor signaling in immune cells by consuming the second messenger diacylglycerol (DAG) to generate phosphatidic acid (PA). Here, we showed that DGKζ promotes lymphocyte function–associated antigen 1 (LFA-1)–mediated adhesion and F-actin generation at the immune synapse of B cells with antigen-presenting cells (APCs), mostly in a PA-dependent manner. Measurement of single-cell mechanical force generation indicated that DGKζ-deficient B cells exerted lower forces at the immune synapse than did wild-type B cells. Nonmuscle myosin activation and translocation of the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) to the immune synapse were also impaired in DGKζ-deficient B cells. These functional defects correlated with the decreased ability of B cells to present antigen and activate T cells in vitro. The in vivo germinal center response of DGKζ-deficient B cells was also reduced compared with that of wild-type B cells, indicating that loss of DGKζ in B cells impaired T cell help. Together, our data suggest that DGKζ shapes B cell responses by regulating actin remodeling, force generation, and antigen uptake–related events at the immune synapse. Hence, an appropriate balance in the amounts of DAG and PA is required for optimal B cell function.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) has a key role in the signaling pathways of receptors essential for the B lymphocyte response. Given its implication in B cell-related immunodeficiencies, leukemias/lymphomas and autoimmunity, Btk is studied intensely and is a target for therapy. Here, using primary B cells from distinct mouse models and the pharmacological inhibitors ibrutinib and acalabrutinib, we report distinct roles for Btk in antigen-triggered immune synapse (IS) formation. Btk recruitment to the plasma membrane regulates the B cell ability to trigger IS formation as well as its appropriate molecular assembly; Btk shuttling/scaffold activities seem more relevant than the kinase function on that. Btk-kinase activity controls antigen accumulation at the IS through the PLCγ2/Ca2+ axis. Impaired Btk membrane-recruitment or kinase function likewise alters antigen-triggered microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) polarization to the IS, B cell activation and proliferation. Data also show that, for B cell function, IS architecture is as important as the quantity of antigen that accumulates at the synapse.

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