B-lymphocytes forming follicle-like structures in the lung tissue of tuberculosis-infected mice: Dynamics, phenotypes and functional activity

During tuberculosis (TB) infection, B cells form follicles in close vicinity of lung granuloma. We assessed the dynamics of follicle formation, surface phenotypes and functional activity of lung B cells during TB course in genetically susceptible mice. The follicles appeared early post infection and peaked at weeks 7 –8. Lung B cells resembled classical B2 cells (CD19+IgMloIgDhiCD1d−CD21/35intCD5−CD11b−CD43−), but differed from them by the absence of B2 marker CD23. Lung B-cells constitutively expressed MHC II molecules, presented mycobacterial antigens to immune CD4+ T-cells and produced high amounts of IL-6 and IL-11, but no classical type 1 (TNF-α, IFN-γ), or anti-inflammatory (IL-10, TGF-β) cytokines.

Source: Tuberculosis - November 16, 2016 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Irina Linge, Alexander Dyatlov, Elena Kondratieva, Vadim Avdeenko, Alexander Apt, Tatiana Kondratieva Source Type: research