Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein deficiency leads to reduced B-cell adhesion, migration, and homing, and a delayed humoral immune response

L Westerberg, M Larsson, SJ Hardy, C Fernández… - Blood, 2005 - ashpublications.org
L Westerberg, M Larsson, SJ Hardy, C Fernández, AJ Thrasher, E Severinson
Blood, 2005ashpublications.org
Abstract The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) is mutated in the severe
immunodeficiency disease Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS). The function of B cells and the
physiologic alterations in WAS remain unclear. We show that B cells from WAS patients
exhibited decreased motility and had reduced capacity to migrate, adhere homotypically,
and form long protrusions after in vitro culture. WASp-deficient murine B cells also migrated
less well to chemokines. Upon antigen challenge, WASp-deficient mice mounted a reduced …
Abstract
The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) is mutated in the severe immunodeficiency disease Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS). The function of B cells and the physiologic alterations in WAS remain unclear. We show that B cells from WAS patients exhibited decreased motility and had reduced capacity to migrate, adhere homotypically, and form long protrusions after in vitro culture. WASp-deficient murine B cells also migrated less well to chemokines. Upon antigen challenge, WASp-deficient mice mounted a reduced and delayed humoral immune response to both T-cell–dependent and –independent antigens. This was at least in part due to deficient migration and homing of B cells. In addition, the germinal center reaction was reduced in WASp-deficient mice. Thus, WASp is crucial for optimal B-cell responses and plays a pivotal role in the primary humoral immune response.
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