Cannabinoid receptor 2 mediates the retention of immature B cells in bone marrow sinusoids

JP Pereira, J An, Y Xu, Y Huang, JG Cyster - Nature immunology, 2009 - nature.com
JP Pereira, J An, Y Xu, Y Huang, JG Cyster
Nature immunology, 2009nature.com
Immature B cells developing in the bone marrow are found in the parenchyma and
sinusoids. The mechanisms that control the positioning of B cells in the sinusoids are not
understood. Here we show that the integrin α4β1 (VLA-4) and its ligand VCAM-1 were
required, whereas the chemokine receptor CXCR4 was dispensable, for sinusoidal retention
of B cells. Instead, cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), a Gαi protein–coupled receptor
upregulated in immature B cells, was required for sinusoidal retention. Using two-photon …
Abstract
Immature B cells developing in the bone marrow are found in the parenchyma and sinusoids. The mechanisms that control the positioning of B cells in the sinusoids are not understood. Here we show that the integrin α4β1 (VLA-4) and its ligand VCAM-1 were required, whereas the chemokine receptor CXCR4 was dispensable, for sinusoidal retention of B cells. Instead, cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), a Gαi protein–coupled receptor upregulated in immature B cells, was required for sinusoidal retention. Using two-photon microscopy, we found immature B cells entering and crawling in sinusoids; these immature B cells were displaced by CB2 antagonism. Moreover, CB2-deficient mice had a lower frequency of immunoglobulin λ-chain–positive B cells in the peripheral blood and spleen. Our findings identify unique requirements for the retention of B cells in the bone marrow sinusoidal niche and suggest involvement of CB2 in the generation of the B cell repertoire.
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