Analysis of IgVH, BCL-6, PIM, RHO/TTF and PAX5 Mutational Status in Splenic and Nodal Marginal Zone B Cell Lymphoma Suggests a Particular B Cell Origin.

Abstract Background and Objectives Splenic and nodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma (SMZL and NMZL) have been recently identified as distinct clinicopathological entities in the WHO classification. These lymphomas entities may have a common origin in the marginal B-cell compartment of the lymphoid organs. However the precise cell of origin of marginal zone B cells, its status in the B cell differentiation pathway and the mechanisms involved in lymphomagenesis remain unclear. The most widely held view is that marginal zone B cells are mostly memory B cells. But the origin of these cells, especially the transit through germinal center pathway, remains contradictory. Somatically mutated variable-region of immunoglobulin genes and bcl-6 gene represent at this time faithful markers for exposure to the germinal center. In addition, aberrant somatic hypermutations have been suggested to contribute to the development of B-cell lymphomas, occurring in the 5′ sequence of several proto-oncogenes. Interestingly those mutation do not occur in normal germinal center B cells. Design and Methods: IgVH, BCL-6, PIM1, Rho/TTF and PAX 5 genes, highly mutated in DLBCL and other indolent lymphoma such as B-CLL, were analysed for the presence of somatic mutations from 50 marginal zone lymphoma tissue and blood samples (21 NMZL and 29 SMZL including 10 cases with numerous villous lymphoma cells in peripheral blood). According to the morphological and immunophenotypical analysis, the fraction of malignant cells in the specimen was 70% or more in all cases. Mutational analysis was restricted to the regions previously shown to contain more than 95% of mutations in DLBCL. PCR products were directly sequenced on both sides and perfomed in duplicate in two independent reactions. Results: Out of 18 NMZL cases analysed for IgVH mutational status (3 cases not analysed for IgVH) 15 cases were mutated and 21 out of 28 in SMZL cases. Mutation of BCL-6 was detected in only 1 NMZL patients (1/21) and 1 SMZL patients (1/29). For RhoH/TTF, PIM1, PAX5 the mutation average was also low with only 1 case mutated per group and per gene, with a different case mutated in each for each gene. Conclusion In summary, we demonstrate the low frequency of aberrant somatic mutations in SMZL and NMZL, suggesting that this process is probably not a major contributor to lymphomageneis. However the frequent absence of mutation in BCL6 suggest a particular differentiation pathway, as suggested before in normal marginal zone B cells, possibly without transit through the germinal center. Interestingly the relatively high frequency of VH mutated cases compared with the frequent absence of mutation of BCL6, considered as a specific germinal center tag, could suggest somatic hypermutation outside the germinal center. In addition the absence of hypermutation could be linked with the absence of recurrent translocation in SMZL and NMZL, the translocation process haveing been associated with somatic hypermutation dysfunction.

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Somatic hypermutation and B–cell lymphoma

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rstb.2000.0751 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 356 (1405) ◽

pp. 73-82 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Deborah Dunn–Walters ◽

Christian Thiede ◽

Birgit Alpen ◽

Jo Spencer

Keyword(s):

B Cells ◽

B Cell ◽

Marginal Zone ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

Somatic Hypermutation ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Response Analysis ◽

Lymphoid Tissues ◽

Sequence Information ◽

Marginal Zone B Cells

During the B–cell response to T–cell–dependent antigens, the B cells undergo a rapid proliferative phase in the germinal centre. This is accompanied by the introduction of mutations into the immunoglobulin (Ig) variable region (V) genes. The B cells are then selected according to the affinity of the encoded immunoglobulin for antigen, resulting in affinity maturation of the response. Analysis of mutations in IgV genes has given insight into the history of individual B cells and their malignancies. In most cases, analysis of mutations confirms classifications of B–cell lineage designated by studies of cellular morphology and surface antigen expression. However, of particular interest is the subdivision of groups of malignancies by analysis of somatic hypermutation. It is now apparent that there are two subsets of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), one with a low load of mutations and poor prognosis, and one with a heavy load of mutations with a much more favourable prognosis. In addition, in Burkitt's lymphoma, sporadic and endemic subtypes are now considered possibly to have a different pathogenesis, reflected in differences in the numbers of mutations. Hodgkin's disease, which was a mystery for many years, has now been shown to be a B–cell tumour. Although in many cases the Ig genes are crippled by somatic hypermutation, it is thought that failure to express Ig is more likely to be associated with problems of transcription. It has been proposed that the distribution of mutations in a B–cell lymphoma can be used to determine whether a lymphoma is selected. We have investigated the load and distribution of mutations in one group of lymphomas–marginal zone B–cell lymphomas of mucosa–associated lymphoid tissues (MALT–type lymphoma), which are dependent on Helicobacter pylori for disease progression, to investigate the limits of information that can be derived from such studies. Comparison of the load of mutations demonstrates that these tumours have approximately the same load of mutations as normal mucosal marginal zone B cells from the Peyer's patches and mucosal plasma cells. This is consistent with the origin of these cells from mucosal marginal zone B cells with plasma cell differentiation. To investigate selection in MALT lymphomas we compared a region of the framework region three in ten MALT lymphomas which use the V H4 family, with the same codons in groups of V H4 genes that are out of frame between V and J. The latter accumulate mutations but are not used and are not selected. A group of V H4 genes are in–frame between V and J were also included for comparison. There were no obvious differences in the distribution of mutations between the groups of genes; the same hot spots and cold spots were apparent in each. In the MALT lymphomas, selection was apparent in the framework regions only and the tendency was to conserve. We therefore feel that there is selection to conserve antibody structure and that this does not reflect selection for antigen. We do not believe that antigen selection can be deduced reliably from sequence information alone. It is possible that somatic hypermutation could be a cause of malignancy since it has been shown that the process may generate DNA strand breaks and is known to be able to generate insertions and deletions. Such events may mediate the translocation of genes—a process that is pivotal in the evolution of many lymphomas.

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B Cells with BCL2/IGH Translocation Compose a Distinctive Cell Population That May Serve as a Reservoir of Lymphoma of Germinal Center B-Cell Type.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v112.11.2050.2050 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 112 (11) ◽

pp. 2050-2050

Author(s):

Tomomi Sakai ◽

Momoko Nishikori ◽

Masaharu Tashima ◽

Ryo Yamamoto ◽

Toshio Kitawaki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

B Cells ◽

B Cell ◽

Germinal Center ◽

Marginal Zone ◽

Terminal Differentiation ◽

Follicular Dendritic Cells ◽

Marginal Zone B Cells ◽

Germinal Center B Cell ◽

Follicular B Cells

Abstract BCL2/IGH translocation is a hallmark of follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of germinal center B-cell type. Although being a strong determinant of these histological subtypes, this translocation is considered to be insufficient by itself and further gene alterations are necessary for cellular transformation. In Eμ-BCL2 transgenic (Tg) mice, B-lineage cells are increased by several-fold compared to wild-type (WT) mice, but only 5–15 % of them develop disease in the first year of life. To clarify how the BCL2 translocation contributes to the development of specific lymphoma subtypes, we created two types of chimeric mouse models to characterize the biological features of BCL2-overexpressing B cells in normal individuals. First, we introduced CD19 promoter-driven BCL2 and its mutant genes to a minor population of murine bone marrow cells by using a lentiviral vector system and transplanted into irradiated mice. BCL2-overexpressing B cells showed increased follicular and reduced marginal zone populations. The same phenotypic shift was observed in B cells introducing BCL2-Y28F mutant that retained anti-apoptotic function, but a defective mutant BCL2-G142A and a mock vector did not affect B-cell phenotype. Additionally, BCL2-introduced B cells showed decreased cell size compared to those introduced BCL2-G142A and mock vectors. To assess the functional alteration of BCL2-overexpressing B cells, TNP-Ficoll binding experiment was performed. The result showed diminished T-cell independent response in parallel with decreased marginal zone B cells. The low transformation frequency of B cells in Eμ-BCL2 Tg mice has been partly explained by their propensity to reside in the G0 phase of the cell cycle (reviewed in Oncogene, 18:5268,1999). We hypothesized that the microenvironment of B cells in Eμ-BCL2 Tg mice might be altered by abnormal B cells themselves. To evaluate the influence of the different microenvironments on BCL2-overexpressing B cells, we next made Eμ-BCL2/CAG-GFP double Tg mice and transferred their bone marrow mononuclear cells into WT or Eμ-BCL2 Tg mice. Blastic cell population of BCL2+GFP+ B cells was larger in those transferred to WT mice compared to those transferred to Eμ-BCL2 Tg mice, regardless of the same phenotypic preference toward follicular B cells. BrdU uptake experiments demonstrated continuous cell cycle progression of the BCL2+GFP+ B cells in WT mice but repressed cell cycle of those in Eμ-BCL2 Tg mice. In immunohistochemical analysis, splenic follicles were disorganized with reduced follicular dendritic cells and inadequate T cell accumulation in Eμ-BCL2 Tg mice. Functional impairment of splenic follicles in Eμ-BCL2 Tg mice might be caused by decreased marginal zone B cell subset, as the antigen capture and delivery by marginal zone B cells was reported to play an important role in the development of follicular dendritic cells. To understand the fate of BCL2-overexpressing B cells after stimulation, we finally assessed their terminal differentiation capacity in vitro. Plasma cell differentiation was suppressed in B cells derived from Eμ-BCL2 Tg mice under either LPS or anti-IgM antibody stimulation. BCL2 is reported to impede the activity of transcription factor NF-AT (Proc Natl Acad Sci93:9545,1996; Nature386:728,1997), and we found that calcineurin inhibitor FK506 suppressed plasma cell differentiation of WT B cells. Gene regulation patterns of the Eμ-BCL2+ B cells were similar to B cells stimulated in the presence of FK506 as well, suggesting that repressed terminal differentiation in Eμ-BCL2+ B cells was partly caused by the suppressed activity of NF-AT. In summary, BCL2-deregulated B cells preferentially differentiate into follicular B cells, and as a result of decreased terminal differentiation in addition to their anti-apoptotic property, they may be obliged to survive and recirculate as memory B cells, and accumulate genetic abnormalities while they repeatedly pass through the germinal center. As the germinal center is the particular site where they can counterbalance the cell cycle-retarding effect of BCL2, it may be a specific place for generating lymphoma triggered by BCL2/IGH translocation. Our results emphasize the importance of the microenvironment of pre-malignant cells during transformation process, and suggest that a simple transgenic mouse model may not be always appropriate for the study of oncogenesis.

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Expression of a Dysfunctional Activation Induced Cytidine Deaminase Is Correlated with Disease Progression in Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.2397.2397 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 2397-2397

Author(s):

Gabriel Brisou ◽

Laurent Jallades ◽

Alexandra Traverse-Glehen ◽

Francoise Berger ◽

Aurélie Verney ◽

...

Keyword(s):

B Cells ◽

B Cell ◽

Germinal Center ◽

Marginal Zone ◽

Cytidine Deaminase ◽

Marginal Zone Lymphoma ◽

Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma ◽

Marginal Zone B Cells ◽

Activation Induced Cytidine Deaminase ◽

Splicing Variants

Abstract Abstract 2397 B cells can undergo at least two differentiation pathways, dependent of T cells or not, starting from follicular or marginal zone B cells respectively. The T-independent response, less understood than the germinal center reaction, is triggered by specific antigens and arises from marginal zone B cells. During this development, some B cells undergo somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR), triggered by the same DNA editing enzyme called Activation Induced Cytidine Deaminase (AID). The splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by a clonal expansion of B cells in the marginal zone of the spleen. These B-cells underwent SHM in roughly 60% of the cases but nearly none underwent CSR. These observations suggest that tumor clones originate from a particular activated B cell subset not transiting through the germinal center. In order to confirm this hypothesis, we focused our work on the status and impact of AID in this disease and worked on purified B cells extracted from spleen of well-characterized SMZL cases. We determined AID status by quantitative RT-PCR analysis on 27 SMZL samples and compared it with 5 controls. In the SMZL group the relative level of expression of AID is heterogeneous but two subgroups could be distinguished: one considered as expressing AID (14 cases out of the 27 analyzed), the remaining considered as not expressing AID. When we compared AID expression rate with occurrence of SHM and CSR, no clear correlation between AID expression and presence of SHM or CSR could be observed suggesting that AID, when expressed, is dysfunctional. To address this hypothesis, we first analyzed AID protein by immunohistochemistry and a good correlation between IHC signal and AID mRNA expression level has been observed. As AID gene was not mutated, we next focused our work on AID mRNA splicing variants as these variants exhibit different functions according to the domain of the protein they contain in a murine model. We found that SMZL B cells express various splicing variants of AID mRNA, some of those variants corresponding to the full length isoform (n = 6/17), and other variants corresponding to AID-ΔE4a (n = 2/17) or AID-ΔE4 (n = 7/17) isoforms known to be expressed in normal germinal center B cells as well as in Chronic Lymphocytic and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. These findings indicate that although expressed at the mRNA and protein levels, AID may not be fully functional in SMZL cases. Finally we addressed the potential clinical significance of AID expression. We identified for that purpose a group of “progressive SMZL” patients that had received immuno-chemotherapy after splenectomy because of a significant risk of progression or transformation into aggressive large B cell lymphoma (n = 8/27) pre-empting outcome differences. We found a higher proportion of AID expressing patients in the defined “progressive SMZL” group (n = 7/8) as compared to the proportion found in the “indolent SMZL” group (n = 5/14, p = 0,03). Altogether, this data suggest that the B cell clone leading to SMZL originate from the marginal zone and support the hypothesis of a lymphoproliferative disorder affecting the T-independent response. AID expression in SMZL may reflect an advanced stage of the disease and could be correlated with the evolution of the lymphoma into a more clinically or pathologically aggressive form. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Preferential Acquision of N-Glycosylation Sites in the VDJ Region in Germinal Center B-Cell-Like Difusse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.1589.1589 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 1589-1589 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Miguel Alcoceba ◽

Elena Sebastián ◽

Ana Balanzategui ◽

Luis Marín ◽

Santiago Montes-Moreno ◽

...

Keyword(s):

B Cells ◽

B Cell ◽

Germinal Center ◽

Marginal Zone ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Marginal Zone Lymphoma ◽

Large B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Glycosylation Sites ◽

Large B Cell

Abstract Abstract 1589 Introduction: Acquired potentially N-glycosylation sites are produced by somatic hypermutation (SHM) in the immunoglobulin (Ig) variable region. This phenomenon is produced in ∼9% of normal B-cells and seems to be related to certain B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (B-LPDs) such as follicular lymphoma (FL, 79%), endemic Burkitt lymphoma (BL, 82%) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL, 41%). These data suggest that new potential N-glycosylation sites could be related to germinal center B (GCB)-LPDs. By contrast, in other B-LPDs, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), MALT lymphoma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) or multiple myeloma (MM), these modifications have not been analyzed in deep. Aims: To evaluate the acquisition of potential N-glycosylation sites in B-LPDs, including immunohystochemical DLBCL subtypes (GCB and non-GCB) and specific non-GCB-LPDs, such as hairy cell leukemia (HCL), splenic marginal-zone lymphoma (SMZL), CLL, MCL, ocular extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (OAEMZL), MM and WM. Patients: A total of 953 sequences (203 from our group and 750 previously published sequences) of B-LPDs were included. Diagnosis distribution was as follows: DLBCL (n=235), MCL (n=235), CLL (n=166), MM (n=96), OAEMZL (n=82), SMZL (n=68), WM (n=38) and HCL (n=33). Methods: Acquired N-glycosylation sites were counted according to the sequence Asn-X-Ser/Thr, where X could be any amino acid except Pro. Natural motifs in germline sequences of IGHV1–08, IGHV4–34 e IGHV-5a were not considered. Fisher test was used to perform comparisons between groups. To distinguish DLBCL biological subtypes (GCB and non-GCB DLBCL), Hans' algorithm was used. Results: A total of 83 out of the 235 DLBCL cases acquired at least a new N-glycosylation site, a higher value than in normal B-cells (35% vs. 9%, p<0.0001). Higher incidence of these motifs in the group of GCB as compared to non-GCB DLBCL were observed (52% vs. 20%, p<0.0001). Those cases diagnosed of HCL, CLL, MCL, MM, WM, OAEMZL and SMZL presented a reduced number of new N-glycosylation sites, showing similar values than normal B-cells (range 3–18%, p=ns). Conclusions: We described for the first time the pattern of N-glycosylation in HCL, SMZL, OAEMZL and in the immunohystochemical DLBCL subtypes, where the GCB-DLBCL showed a higher number of new N-glycosylation sites with respect to non-GCB DLBCL and other non-GCB-LPDs. The presence of novel N-glycosylation sites in FL, BL and in GCB-DLBCL strongly suggests that these motifs are characteristic of the germinal center B-LPDs. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Marginal-Zone B Cells in the Human Lymph Node and Spleen Show Somatic Hypermutations and Display Clonal Expansion

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v93.1.226 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 93 (1) ◽

pp. 226-234 ◽

Cited By ~ 103

Author(s):

Anne Tierens ◽

Jan Delabie ◽

Lieve Michiels ◽

Peter Vandenberghe ◽

Chris De Wolf-Peeters

Keyword(s):

B Cells ◽

B Cell ◽

Marginal Zone ◽

Somatic Hypermutation ◽

Clonal Expansion ◽

Germinal Centers ◽

Proliferating Cells ◽

Ki 67 ◽

Marginal Zone B Cells ◽

Vh Genes

Abstract Splenic marginal-zone B cells, marginal-zone B cells of Peyer’s patches in the gut, and nodal marginal-zone B cells (also identified as monocytoid B cells) share a similar morphology and immunophenotype. These cells likely represent a distinct subset of B cells in humans and rodents, but their precise ontogenetic relationship as well as their origin from B cells of the germinal center is still debated. To study this, we performed a mutation analysis of the rearranged immunoglobulin variable genes (VH) of microdissected single nodal and splenic marginal-zone cells. In addition, we investigated the presence of proliferating cells and B-cell clones in the human splenic and nodal marginal zone as well as adjacent germinal centers. This was performed by immunohistochemical staining for the Ki-67 antigen and denaturing gradient gel analysis of amplified immunoglobulin heavy chain genes’ complementarity determining region 3 of microdissected cell clusters. A variable subset of nodal and splenic marginal-zone B cells showed somatic mutations in their rearranged VH genes, indicating that both virgin and memory B cells are present in the nodal and splenic marginal zone. Nodal and splenic marginal-zone B cells preferentially rearranged VH3 family genes such as DP47, DP49, DP54, and DP58. A preferential rearrangement of the same VH genes has been shown by others in the peripheral CD5− IgM+ B cells. These data suggest that the splenic and nodal marginal-zone B cells are closely related B-cell subsets. We also showed that marginal-zone B cells may cycle and that clones of B cells are frequently detected in the nodal as well as the splenic marginal zone. These clones are not related to those present in adjacent germinal centers. These data favor the hypothesis that clonal expansion occurs in the marginal zone. Whether the somatic hypermutation mechanism is activated during the clonal expansion in the marginal zone and which type of immune response triggers the clonal expansion need to be elucidated.

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Gene Expression Profiling Comparison between the Major Mature B-Cell Neoplasms and Their Normal Cellular and Anatomic Counterparts: Identification of Candidate Genes Potentially Involved in Lymphomagenesis.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v108.11.2375.2375 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 108 (11) ◽

pp. 2375-2375

Author(s):

Nicolas Blin ◽

Celine Bossard ◽

Jean-Luc Harousseau ◽

Catherine Charbonnel ◽

Wilfried Gouraud ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Cell Proliferation ◽

B Cells ◽

B Cell ◽

Gene Expression Profiling ◽

Germinal Center ◽

Expression Profiling ◽

Marginal Zone ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

B Cell Lymphoma

Abstract Gene expression profiling has provided new insights into the understanding of mature B cell neoplasms by relating each one to its normal counterpart, so that they can be to some extent classified according to the corresponding normal B-cell stage. Thus, diffuse large B cell (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) have been related to a germinal center precursor whereas mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) or marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) are more likely to derive from naïve and memory B cell, respectively. However, little is still known about the physiopathology of B-cell lymphomas and particularly the deregulated pathways involved in their oncogenesis. To further investigate that point, we performed laser capture microdissection (LCM) of the three anatomic lymphoid compartments (i.e germinal center, mantle zone and marginal zone) taken from nine normal spleens and lymph nodes and magnetic cell separation of the four normal B cell subpopulations (i.e naïve B cells, centroblasts, centrocytes and memory B cells) purified from twelve normal tonsils for gene expression profiling by cDNA microarray. These molecular profiles have been compared to those of the four most frequent mature B cell neoplasms in adult (i.e DLBCL, FL, MZL and MCL), each one isolated from five previously untreated patients. Unsupervised analysis by hierarchical clustering of the normal anatomic and cellular populations could discriminate the germinal from the extra-germinal populations by genes involved in cell proliferation (e.g. E2F5, CCNB2, BUB1B and AURKB), DNA repair (e.g. PCNA and EXO1), cytokine secretion (e.g. IL8, IL10RB, IL4R and TGFBI) and apoptosis (e.g. CASP8, CASP10, BCL2 and FAS). Supervised analysis of the comparison between each B-cell lymphoma and its anatomic and cellular physiologic equivalent identified molecular deregulations concerning several genes’families characterizing the different histologic subtypes. Genes associated with cellular adhesion and ubiquitin cycle were significantly up-regulated in MCL (FCGBP, ITGAE, USP7, VCAM1) and MZL (CTGF, CDH1, ITGAE) whereas germinal center derived lymphomas (i.e. DLBCL and FL) mainly showed up-regulation of genes involved in cell proliferation (TNFRSF17, SEPT8) and immune response (FCER1G, XBP1, IL1RN). Few deregulated genes were common to the four subtypes, principally associated with cell proliferation (CYR61, GPNMB), cytosqueleton organization (EPB41L3) and carbohydrates metabolism (GNPDA1), suggesting potential similar oncogenic pathways. Those preliminary results are compatible with both subtype-specific and overall mechanisms of lympomagenesis and should be verified in a wider range of samples to confirm the oncogenic events involved in this heterogeneous disease.

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High-Throughput Ig Sequencing of Paired Blood and Spleen Samples Allows a Redefinition of Memory IgM Subsets in Humans

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.565.565 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 565-565

Author(s):

Davide Bagnara ◽

Margherita Squillario ◽

David Kipling ◽

Thierry Mora ◽

Aleksandra Walczak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

B Cells ◽

B Cell ◽

High Throughput ◽

Germinal Center ◽

Marginal Zone ◽

Cell Subset ◽

Memory B Cells ◽

Double Negative ◽

Marginal Zone B Cells ◽

B Cell Subsets

Abstract In humans, whether B cells with the IgM+IgD+CD27+ phenotype represent an independent lineage involved in T-independent responses, similar to mouse marginal zone B cells, or whether they are part of the germinal center-derived memory B-cell pool generated during responses to T-dependent antigens, is still a debated issue. To address this question, we performed high-throughput Ig sequencing of B-cell subsets from paired blood and spleen samples and analyzed the clonal relationships between them. We isolated and analyzed 3 different B cell subsets based on CD27 and IgD staining from both blood and spleen: IgD+CD27+ (MZ) - amplified with Cmu primers IgD-CD27+ (switched and IgM-only) with Cmu, Cgamma and Calpha primers IgD-CD27- (CD27- memory or double-negative DN) with the same three primers We obtained 95729 unique sequences that clustered in 49199 different clones: 1125 clones were shared between blood and spleen of the same B-cell subset, and 1681 clones were shared between different subsets, allowing us to trace their relationships. We analyzed these clones that share sequences from different subsets/tissues for their mutation frequency distribution, CDR3-length, and VH/JH family usage, and compared these different characteristics with the bulk of sequences from their respective subset of origin. The analysis of clones shared between blood and spleen for switched IgG/IgA and for MZ subsets suggests different recirculation dynamics. For switched cells, the blood appears to be a mixture of splenic and other lymphoid tissues B cells. For MZ B cells in contrast, the blood appear to be only composed of a subgroup of the splenic repertoire, in agreement with the observation that marginal zone B cells recirculate and are mainly generated in the spleen. Clonal relationships between the IgM clones (originating from the MZ, IgM-only and double negative compartments) show that the clones involved display the characteristics of IgM-only B cells whatever their subset of origin, even in the case of the paired MZ/double-negative sequences that were not supposed to include IgM-only sequences. We therefore conclude that the clones shared between the various IgM subsets do not represent b between them, but rather correspond to a heterogeneous phenotype of the IgM-only population that concerns both IgD and CD27 expression, leading to a partial overlap with the MZ and double-negative gates. Clones shared between the MZ and the switched IgG and IgA compartment also show, for their IgM part, the mutation and repertoire characteristics of IgM-only cells and not of MZ B cells, reinforcing the conclusion that IgM-only are true memory B cells, and constitute the only subset showing clonal relationships with switched memory B cells. In summary, we report that MZ B cells have different recirculation characteristics and do not show real clonal relationships with IgM-only and switched memory B cells, in agreement with the notion that they represent a distinct differentiation pathway. In contrast, the only precursor-product relationship between IgM memory and switched B cells appear to concern a B cell subset that has been described as "IgM-only", but appears to have a more heterogeneous expression of IgD than previously reported and therefore contribute to 3-15% of the MZ compartment. Searching for markers that would permit to discriminate between marginal zone and germinal center-derived IgM memory B cells is obviously required to further delineate their respective function. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Marginal-Zone B Cells in the Human Lymph Node and Spleen Show Somatic Hypermutations and Display Clonal Expansion

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v93.1.226.401a30_226_234 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 93 (1) ◽

pp. 226-234 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anne Tierens ◽

Jan Delabie ◽

Lieve Michiels ◽

Peter Vandenberghe ◽

Chris De Wolf-Peeters

Keyword(s):

B Cells ◽

B Cell ◽

Marginal Zone ◽

Somatic Hypermutation ◽

Clonal Expansion ◽

Germinal Centers ◽

Proliferating Cells ◽

Ki 67 ◽

Marginal Zone B Cells ◽

Vh Genes

Splenic marginal-zone B cells, marginal-zone B cells of Peyer’s patches in the gut, and nodal marginal-zone B cells (also identified as monocytoid B cells) share a similar morphology and immunophenotype. These cells likely represent a distinct subset of B cells in humans and rodents, but their precise ontogenetic relationship as well as their origin from B cells of the germinal center is still debated. To study this, we performed a mutation analysis of the rearranged immunoglobulin variable genes (VH) of microdissected single nodal and splenic marginal-zone cells. In addition, we investigated the presence of proliferating cells and B-cell clones in the human splenic and nodal marginal zone as well as adjacent germinal centers. This was performed by immunohistochemical staining for the Ki-67 antigen and denaturing gradient gel analysis of amplified immunoglobulin heavy chain genes’ complementarity determining region 3 of microdissected cell clusters. A variable subset of nodal and splenic marginal-zone B cells showed somatic mutations in their rearranged VH genes, indicating that both virgin and memory B cells are present in the nodal and splenic marginal zone. Nodal and splenic marginal-zone B cells preferentially rearranged VH3 family genes such as DP47, DP49, DP54, and DP58. A preferential rearrangement of the same VH genes has been shown by others in the peripheral CD5− IgM+ B cells. These data suggest that the splenic and nodal marginal-zone B cells are closely related B-cell subsets. We also showed that marginal-zone B cells may cycle and that clones of B cells are frequently detected in the nodal as well as the splenic marginal zone. These clones are not related to those present in adjacent germinal centers. These data favor the hypothesis that clonal expansion occurs in the marginal zone. Whether the somatic hypermutation mechanism is activated during the clonal expansion in the marginal zone and which type of immune response triggers the clonal expansion need to be elucidated.

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NR4A1 Deletion in Marginal Zone B Cells Exacerbates Atherosclerosis in Mice—Brief Report

Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology ◽

10.1161/atvbaha.120.314607 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 40 (11) ◽

pp. 2598-2604

Author(s):

Meritxell Nus ◽

Gemma Basatemur ◽

Maria Galan ◽

Laia Cros-Brunsó ◽

Tian X. Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

B Cells ◽

B Cell ◽

Germinal Center ◽

Marginal Zone ◽

Cell Function ◽

Cell Receptor ◽

Marginal Zone B Cells ◽

Follicular Helper ◽

Center Axis ◽

Cell Deletion

Objective: NR4A orphan receptors have been well studied in vascular and myeloid cells where they play important roles in the regulation of inflammation in atherosclerosis. NR4A1 (nerve growth factor IB) is among the most highly induced transcription factors in B cells following BCR (B-cell receptor) stimulation. Given that B cells substantially contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, we examined whether NR4A1 regulates B-cell function during atherogenesis. Approach and Results: We found that feeding Ldlr −/− mice a Western diet substantially increased Nr4a1 expression in marginal zone B (MZB) cells compared with follicular B cells. We then generated Ldlr −/− mice with complete B- or specific MZB-cell deletion of Nr4a1 . Complete B-cell deletion of Nr4a1 led to increased atherosclerosis, which was accompanied by increased T follicular helper cell–germinal center axis response, as well as increased serum total cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Interestingly, specific MZB-cell deletion of Nr4a1 increased atherosclerosis in association with an increased T follicular helper–germinal center response but without any impact on serum cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Nr4a1 −/− MZB cells showed decreased PDL1 (programmed death ligand-1) expression, which may have contributed to the enhanced T follicular helper response. Conclusions: Our findings reveal a previously unsuspected role for NR4A1 in the atheroprotective role of MZB cells.

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Development of Notch1 Positive T-Lineage Lymphomas or Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphomas with Pan-Hematopoietic or Pro-B Cell Specific Deletion of Trp53 with Distinct Differentially Dysregulated Pathways

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2021-150931 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 2229-2229

Author(s):

Jayanth Kumar Palanichamy ◽

Tiffany Tran ◽

Jennifer King ◽

Sol Katzman ◽

Gunjan Sharma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cell ◽

B Cells ◽

B Cell ◽

Signaling Pathways ◽

Marginal Zone ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Gene Set Enrichment Analysis ◽

Marginal Zone B Cells ◽

Flow Cytometric ◽

Specific Deletion

Abstract Deletion of the tumor suppressor gene TP53 (Trp53 in mice) has been associated with the development of numerous human malignancies. TP53 acts as a central coordinator of the DNA damage response. In mice, pan-Trp53 deletion leads predominantly to the development of T-cell lymphomas, followed by B-cell lymphomas, sarcomas and teratomas. In order to dissect the role of Trp53 in the hematopoietic system, we created two different loss of function mouse models: Pan-hematopoietic Trp53 deletion using Vav1-Cre based deletion; and a B-cell-specific deletion was created using CD19-Cre. Vav1-p53CKO mice developed hematolymphoid malignancies with 100% penetrance by 12 months. Most malignancies observed were CD3e+ T-lineage lymphomas involving the thymus or spleen (37/45). Beyond 200 days, these mice predominantly developed mixed myeloid malignancies. The shift away from T-lineage malignancies in older mice may reflect aging-related decline of pre-malignant lymphoid progenitors and skewing to myeloid progenitors. Flow cytometric characterization of the T-lineage lymphomas identified a mix of tumors, including double-negative (CD4-CD8-), double-positive (CD4+CD8+), or single positive (CD4/CD8). In pre-malignant mice, Vav1-p53CKO thymocytes showed accelerated maturation with most of the cells in the DN4 stage, suggesting a bypass of the p53-dependent DN3 β-selection checkpoint. All T-lineage lymphomas showed overexpression of surface Notch1 as well as overexpression of Notch1 targets Hes1 and p21 at the transcript level. Consistent with prior data, normal murine thymocyte subsets showed high levels of expression of Notch1 target genes at the DN3 stage of development, which appears dysregulated in these T-lineage lymphomas. This Notch1 activation was found to be multifactorial with increased Mdm2 and decreased Numb levels seen in tumors. Overall, we demonstrate Notch1 activation and subsequent acceleration through the T-cell developmental stages in this model of pan-hematopoietic Trp53 deletion. The B-cell specific Trp53 knockout mice (CD19-P53CKO) (n=54) were followed up for up to 2 years. The majority (47/54) developed splenomegaly in an age-dependent manner. Histologic examination showed marginal zone expansion (6/54), frank low-grade marginal zone lymphoma (16/54) or diffuse splenic lymphoma (25/54). The disease was confined to the spleen in the case of lower-grade histology while higher grades correlated with liver and kidney involvement. Flow cytometric analysis of tumors showed B220+ CD19+ IgM+ cells. Interestingly, these tumors demonstrated low levels of Notch2 expression, which normally is highly expressed in marginal zone B-cells. In order to characterize pathogenesis, we sorted follicular and marginal zone B-cells from floxed P53 and pre-malignant CD19-P53CKO mice. RNA was isolated from all these fractions and the spleens of 5 CD19-P53KO mice with diffuse lymphoma and subjected to RNA-Seq. A comparison of the floxed p53 with the CD19-P53CKO fractions (follicular and marginal zone) revealed a highly similar transcriptome. On the other hand, p53-deficient lymphomas showed >10,000 genes significantly differentially expressed demonstrating the unique transcriptome which developed during malignant transformation. Pathway analysis of these genes using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) identified enrichment of PI3K, Rap1 and MAPK signaling pathways, which are associated with cellular proliferation. Overexpression of the PI3K pathway genes Ccne1, Sgk1, Mapk13 and Pik3cb were validated by qPCR in 10 independent tumor samples when compared to the splenic marginal zone fractions. In the B-cell lineage, Trp53 deficiency leads to the dysregulation of multiple genes involved in key cellular signaling pathways, including the PI3K/MAPK pathway. In summary, pan hematopoietic deletion of Trp53 led to T-lineage lymphoma in young mice and myeloid tumors in older mice; with activation of Notch1 signaling in the former. B-cell specific deletion of Trp53 led to splenic marginal zone and diffuse B-cell lymphoma with transcriptional dysregulation of key signaling molecules. Hence, tumorigenesis by Trp53 deletion is tightly linked to lineage and appears to dysregulate key signaling pathways that are operant in those lineages, potentially identifying novel strategies for therapeutic interventions in P53 dependent human hematolymphoid malignancies. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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