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Application of a Mouse Ligated Peyer’s Patch Intestinal Loop Assay to Evaluate Bacterial Uptake by M cells
Published on: December 17, 2011
Activated Peyer's patch B cells sample antigen directly from M cells in the subepithelial dome
Rathan Joy Komban1, Anneli Strömberg1, Adi Biram2
1Mucosal Immunobiology and Vaccine Center (MIVAC), Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, S405 30, Sweden.
Nature Communications
|June 5, 2019
Summary
Activated B cells transport antigens to Peyer's patches (PP) via M cells, independent of dendritic cells (DC). This pathway is crucial for gut IgA responses and mucosal vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Germinal center (GC) formation in Peyer's patches (PP) requires sustained antigen access.
- The precise mechanism for antigen delivery to GCs in the gut remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the pathway of antigen transport to Peyer's patches (PP) for germinal center (GC) formation.
- To investigate the role of M cells and B cells in antigen transport in the gut.
Main Methods:
- In situ photoactivation analysis of antigen-specific B cells in the subepithelial dome (SED).
- Antigen injection into ligated intestinal loops in mice.
- Analysis of antigen uptake in M cell-deficient and dendritic cell (DC)-depleted mice.
Main Results:
- Activated antigen-specific B cells (CCR6+CCR1+GL7-) interact with M cells in the SED and migrate towards GCs.
- 40% of antigen-specific SED B cells bound injected antigen within 2 hours, indicating B cell receptor involvement.
- Antigen loading occurred independently of classical dendritic cells (DCs) but was absent in M cell-deficient mice.
Conclusions:
- A novel M cell-B cell antigen-specific transport pathway exists in Peyer's patches (PP).
- This pathway is independent of dendritic cells (DCs) and plays a critical role in gut IgA responses.
- Understanding this pathway is vital for developing effective mucosal vaccines.
