Cdc42 is a key regulator of B cell differentiation and is required for antiviral humoral immunity

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Marianne Burbage
  • Selina J Keppler
  • Francesca Gasparrini
  • Nuria Martínez-Martín
  • Mauro Gaya
  • Christoph Feest
  • Marie-Charlotte Domart
  • Brakebusch, Cord Herbert
  • Lucy Collinson
  • Andreas Bruckbauer
  • Facundo D Batista

The small Rho GTPase Cdc42, known to interact with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) protein, is an important regulator of actin remodeling. Here, we show that genetic ablation of Cdc42 exclusively in the B cell lineage is sufficient to render mice unable to mount antibody responses. Indeed Cdc42-deficient mice are incapable of forming germinal centers or generating plasma B cells upon either viral infection or immunization. Such severe immune deficiency is caused by multiple and profound B cell abnormalities, including early blocks during B cell development; impaired antigen-driven BCR signaling and actin remodeling; defective antigen presentation and in vivo interaction with T cells; and a severe B cell-intrinsic block in plasma cell differentiation. Thus, our study presents a new perspective on Cdc42 as key regulator of B cell physiology.

Original languageEnglish
JournalThe Journal of Experimental Medicine
Volume212
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)53-72
ISSN0022-1007
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

ID: 129627425