Defining AP4- and MYC-regulated gene expression programs in germinal center B cells during cyclic re-entry
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ABSTRACT: B cells diversify and affinity-mature their antigen receptor repertoire in germinal centers (GC). GC B cells receive help signals during transient interaction with T cells, yet it remains unknown how these transient T-B interactions sustain the subsequent proliferative program of selected B cells. Here we show that the transcription factor AP4 is required for sustained GC B cell proliferation and subsequent establishment of a diverse and protective antibody repertoire. AP4 is induced by c-MYC during the T-B interactions and maintained by T cell-derived IL-21. B cell-specific deletion of AP4 resulted in reduced GC sizes and somatic hypermutation and a failure to control chronic viral infection. These results indicate that AP4 integrates T cell-mediated selection and sustained expansion of GC B cells for humoral immunity.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE80669 | GEO | 2016/08/23
SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA319639
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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