Macrophages control the retention and trafficking of B lymphocytes in the splenic marginal zone

The marginal zone of the spleen is a precisely ordered region that contains specialized subsets of B lymphocytes and macrophages. Disruption of the negative signaling inositol phosphatase, SH2-containing inositol-5-phosphatase 1 (SHIP), results in the loss of marginal zone B cells (MZBs) with reorganization of marginal zone macrophages (MZMOs) to the red pulp of the spleen. This primary macrophage defect, as revealed by selectively depleting SHIP in myeloid cells shows that MZMOs are specifically required for the retention of MZBs. The MZMO phenotype was reverted in SHIP/Bruton\u27s tyrosine kinase (Btk) double knockout mice, thus identifying the Btk activating pathway as an essential component being regulated by SHIP. Furthermore, we identified a direct interaction between the MARCO scavenger receptor on MZMOs and MZBs. Activation or disruption of this interaction results in MZB migration to the follicle. The migration of the MZMOs was further studied after the response to Staphylococcus aureus, which induced MZMOs to move into the red pulp while MZBs migrated into the follicular zone. The marginal zone is therefore a dynamic structure in which retention and trafficking of B cells requires specific macrophage-B cell interactions

Unravelling the sex-specific diversity and functions of adrenal gland macrophages

Despite the ubiquitous function of macrophages across the body, the diversity, origin, and function of adrenal gland macrophages remain largely unknown. We define the heterogeneity of adrenal gland immune cells using single-cell RNA sequencing and use genetic models to explore the developmental mechanisms yielding macrophage diversity. We define populations of monocyte-derived and embryonically seeded adrenal gland macrophages and identify a female-specific subset with low major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression. In adulthood, monocyte recruitment dominates adrenal gland macrophage maintenance in female mice. Adrenal gland macrophage sub-tissular distribution follows a sex-dimorphic pattern, with MHC class IIlow macrophages located at the cortico-medullary junction. Macrophage sex dimorphism depends on the presence of the cortical X-zone. Adrenal gland macrophage depletion results in altered tissue homeostasis, modulated lipid metabolism, and decreased local aldosterone production during stress exposure. Overall, these data reveal the heterogeneity of adrenal gland macrophages and point toward sex-restricted distribution and functions of these cells.</p

Le rôle du TGF-b1 dans la biologie des lymphocytes B

Le TGF-b1 est une cytokine pléiotropique et multipotente. Son rôle critique dans le contrôle de l'immunité est illustré par l'inflammation létale manifestée par les souris déficientes en TGF-b1. Nous avons pu montrer in vivo que le TGF-b1 produit par les cellules B joue un rôle majeur dans le contrôle de la commutation isotypique ainsi que dans l'homéostasie des LB. Cette régulation dépend d'une action autocrine du TGF-b1. Nous nous sommes intéressés au lien entre les immunoglobulines membranaires ou secrétées et le TGF-b1. Nous avons pu démontrer in vitro qu'une assocition covalente était impliquée dans la liaison de ces deux partenaires. Cette association montre une préférence isotypique et nécessite la coexpression de ces deux molécules par la même cellule. L'analyse in vivo suggère qu'une association entre Ig et TGF-b1 puisse également se faire de façon extracellulaire. Nous proposons que les complexes Ig / TGF-b1 spécifiques d'antigènes pourraient jouer un rôle important dans le maintien de la tolérance immune. Nous avons pu démontrer qu'une association covalente entre le recepteur à l'antigène des cellules B et le TGF-b1 permet l'expression de TGF-b1 à la surface des cellules. De façon intéressante, nous avons pu établir que le TGF-b1 exprimé par ces cellules aboutissait à des effets non classiques sur la différenciation des cellules T. L'utilisation de système rapporteur a permis de démontrer que ce paradoxe est expliqué par un effet "autocrine strict" du TGF-b1 sur les lymphocytes B.AIX-MARSEILLE2-BU Sci.Luminy (130552106) / SudocSudocFranceF

Cell Intrinsic TGF-β1 Regulation of B Cells

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Intercellular MHC transfer between thymic epithelial and dendritic cells.

International audienceThymic dendritic cells (DC) and epithelial cells play a major role in central tolerance but their respective roles are still controversial. Epithelial cells have the unique ability to ectopically express peripheral tissue-restricted antigens conferring self-tolerance to tissues. Paradoxically, while negative selection seems to occur for some of these antigens, epithelial cells, contrary to DC, are poor negative selectors. Using a thymic epithelial cell line, we show the functional intercellular transfer of membrane material, including MHC molecules, occurring between epithelial cells. Using somatic and bone marrow chimeras, we show that this transfer occurs efficiently in vivo between epithelial cells and, in a polarized fashion, from epithelial to DC. This novel mode of transfer of MHC-associated, epithelial cell-derived self-antigens onto DC might participate to the process of negative selection in the thymic medulla

Cell Intrinsic TGF-β1 Regulation of B Cells

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Cell intrinsic TGF-beta1 regulation of B cells.

International audienceTGF-beta family cytokines play multiple roles in immune responses. TGF-beta1-null mice suffer from multi-organ infiltration that leads to their premature death. T cells play a central role in the TGF-beta1 phenotype, as deficiency of TGF-beta1 only in T cells reproduces the lethal phenotype. Although it is known that TGF-beta1 controls B cells isotype switch and homeostasis, the source responsible for this control has not been characterized. Because of the major role that T cells play in regulating B cell responses, we addressed the T cell dependency of the TGF-beta1 control of B cells. The analysis of T cell-deficient, TGF-beta1 knockout mice and the production of chimeras in which B but not T cells lacked TGF-beta1 allowed us to show that B cells are controlled in part by cell autonomous production of TGF-beta1

Metabolism Plays a Key Role during Macrophage Activation

Monocyte and macrophage diversity is evidenced by the modulation of cell surface markers and differential production of soluble mediators. These immune cells play key roles in controlling tissue homeostasis, infections, and excessive inflammation. Macrophages remove dead cells in a process named efferocytosis, contributing to the healthy tissue maintenance. Recently, it became clear that the main macrophage functions are under metabolic control. Modulation of glucose, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism is associated with various macrophage activations in response to external stimuli. Deciphering these metabolic pathways provided critical information about macrophage functions