CD62L expression marks a functionally distinct subset of memory B cells

Cell Rep. 2023 Dec 26;42(12):113542. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113542. Epub 2023 Dec 5.

Abstract

The memory B cell response consists of phenotypically distinct subsets that differ in their ability to respond upon antigen re-encounter. However, the pathways regulating the development and function of memory B cell subsets are poorly understood. Here, we show that CD62L and CD44 are progressively expressed on mouse memory B cells and identify transcriptionally and functionally distinct memory B cell subsets. Bcl6 is important in regulating memory B cell subset differentiation with overexpression of Bcl6 resulting in impaired CD62L+ memory B cell development. Bcl6 regulates memory B cell subset development through control of a network of genes, including Bcl2 and Zeb2. Overexpression of Zeb2 impairs the development of CD62L+ memory B cells. Importantly, CD62L is also differentially expressed on human memory B cells following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination and identifies phenotypically distinct populations. Together, these data indicate that CD62L expression marks functionally distinct memory B cell subsets.

Keywords: B cells; CP: Immunology; humoral immunity; immunological memory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Memory B Cells*
  • Mice
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets* / metabolism
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • Antigens
  • SELL protein, human