Notch2-mediated plasticity between marginal zone and follicular B cells

Markus Lechner, Thomas Engleitner, Tea Babushku, Marc Schmidt-Supprian, Roland Rad, Lothar J. Strobl, Ursula Zimber-Strobl

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

Follicular B (FoB) and marginal zone B (MZB) cells are functionally and spatially distinct mature B cell populations in the spleen, originating from a Notch2-dependent fate decision after splenic influx of immature transitional B cells. In the B cell follicle, a Notch2-signal is provided by DLL-1-expressing fibroblasts. However, it is unclear whether FoB cells, which are in close contact with these DLL-1 expressing fibroblasts, can also differentiate to MZB cells if they receive a Notch2-signal. Here, we show induced Notch2IC-expression in FoB cells re-programs mature FoB cells into bona fide MZB cells as is evident from the surface phenotype, localization, immunological function and transcriptome of these cells. Furthermore, the lineage conversion from FoB to MZB cells occurs in immunocompetent wildtype mice. These findings demonstrate plasticity between mature FoB and MZB cells that can be driven by a singular signaling event, the activation of Notch2.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1111
JournalNature Communications
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2021

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