Broad dispersion and lung localization of virus-specific memory B cells induced by influenza pneumonia

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Abstract
Although memory B cells (BMem) contribute significantly to resistance to infection, BMem population characteristics that may relate to protective efficacy have received little attention. Here, we report a comprehensive quantitative analysis of virus-specific IgG and IgA BMem dispersion after transient influenza pneumonia in mice. From early in the response, BMem circulated continuously and dispersed widely to secondary lymphoid tissues. However, a complicated picture emerged with BMem frequency differences between secondary lymphoid tissues indicating an influence of local tissue factors on trafficking. BMem numbers increased and stabilized at tissue-specific frequencies without contraction of the BMem pool during the period of analysis. The lung was notable as a nonsecondary lymphoid tissue where a rapid influx of IgG and IgA BMem established relatively high frequencies that were maintained long term. Our findings provide insights into the pattern of BMem dispersion, and emphasize the lung as a complex repository of immune memory after local infection.