Rescuing pathogen-specific memory B-cell from PBMC of prior Zika virus-infected individuals

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Immunological memory provides long-term protection against pathogens.
• Memory B cells (MBCs) are crucial for rapid and effective secondary immune responses.
• Limited availability of circulating MBCs hinders research requiring large cell numbers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a practical protocol for activating and expanding Zika virus (ZIKV)-specific MBCs in vitro.
• To assess the functionality and specificity of expanded MBCs.

Main Methods:

• Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from ZIKV-infected individuals were cultured with IL-2 and R848 (TLR-7/8 agonist).
• Cells were stimulated with inactivated ZIKV.
• Changes in virus-specific MBCs and anti-ZIKV IgG production were analyzed after seven days.

Main Results:

• The protocol significantly increased the number of functional ZIKV-specific MBCs.
• A notable rise in anti-ZIKV IgG production was observed.
• No significant changes were induced in PBMCs from individuals without ZIKV history.

Conclusions:

• Virus-specific MBCs can be effectively expanded in vitro from individuals infected years prior.
• This protocol provides a valuable tool for obtaining sufficient functional human MBCs for pathogen-specific research.