CpG-DNA induces bacteria-reactive IgM enhancing phagocytic activity against Staphylococcus aureus infection

CpG-DNA triggers the proliferation and differentiation of B cells which results in the increased production of antibodies. The presence of bacteria-reactive IgM in normal serum was reported; however, the relevance of CpG-DNA with the production of bacteria-reactive IgM has not been investigated. Here, we proved the function of CpG-DNA for the production of bacteria-reactive IgM. CpG-DNA administration led to increased production of bacteria-reactive IgM both in the peritoneal fluid and serum through TLR9 signaling pathway. When we stimulated B cells with CpG-DNA, production of bacteria-reactive IgM was reproduced in vitro. We established a bacteria-reactive monoclonal IgM antibody using CpG-DNA stimulated-peritoneal B cells. The monoclonal IgM antibody enhanced the phagocytic activity of RAW 264.7 cells against S. aureus MW2 infection. Therefore, we suggest that CpG-DNA enhances the antibacterial activity of the immune system by triggering the production of bacteria-reactive IgM. We also suggest the possible application of the antibodies for the treatment of antibiotics-resistant bacterial infections. [BMB Reports 2019; 52(11): 635-640].