The Unique Antigen Receptor Signaling Phenotype of B-1 Cells Is Influenced by Locale but Induced by Antigen

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Abstract
Normal animals contain an autoreactive B lymphocyte subset, the B-1 subset, which is controlled by undefined mechanisms to prevent autoimmunity. Using a VH11Vκ9 Ig transgenic mouse, with a specificity prototypic of the subset, we have explored conditions responsible for the previously reported Ag hyporesponsiveness of these cells. We report that peritoneal VH11Vκ9 B cells exhibit typical B-1 behavior with high basal intracellular free Ca2+ and negligible receptor-mediated calcium mobilization. However, splenic B cells from this mouse, while phenotypically similar to their peritoneal counterparts, including expression of CD5, mount robust B-2-like responses to Ag as measured by calcium influx and altered tyrosine phosphorylation responses. When these splenic cells are adoptively transferred to the peritoneal cavity and encounter their cognate self-Ag, they acquire a B-1 signaling phenotype. The ensuing hyporesponsiveness is characterized by increases in both basal intracellular calcium and resting tyrosyl phosphorylation levels and is highlighted by a marked abrogation of B cell receptor-mediated calcium mobilization. Thus, we show that self-Ag recognition in specific microenvironments such as the peritoneum, and we would propose other privileged sites, confers a unique form of anergy on activated B cells. This may explain how autoreactive B-1 cells can exist while autoimmunity is avoided.