A novel role for caveolin-1 in B lymphocyte function and the development of thymus-independent immune responses

Freddy A. Medina, Terence M. Williams, Federica Sotgia, Herbert B. Tanowitz, Michael P. Lisanti

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) functions as a scaffold or platform for many molecules involved in signal transduction. However, the expression and function of Cav-1 in the immune system has been controversial. Here, we show that Cav-1 mRNA and protein is indeed expressed in murine B-lymphocytes in a regulated manner in response to LPS. Cav-1 deficient mice displayed reduced levels of antibody in their serum. In order to examine the role of Cav-1 in the development of immunoglobulin-mediated immune responses, we immunized wild-type and Cav-1 deficient mice with thymus-dependent and thymus independent antigens. Our results show that Cav-1 deficient mice have a normal response to thymus-dependent antigens, but have a reduced response to both type I and type II thymus independent antigens. However, lymphocyte populations in the spleen and peritoneum were not altered and no changes were observed in splenic architecture. Caveolin-1 deficient B-lymphocytes did not display altered proliferation in response to different stimuli. However, we found that Cav-1 deficient B cells have reduced IgG3 secretion in vitro in response to LPS. Finally, we also demonstrate that human plasma cells (mature B lymphocytes) express Cav-1 in vivo. Taken, together these results provide convincing evidence for the expression of Cav-1 in activated B-lymphocytes and demonstrate a role for Cav-1 in the development of thymus-independent immune responses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1865-1871
Number of pages7
JournalCell Cycle
Volume5
Issue number16
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 15 2006

Keywords

  • Antibody production
  • B lymphocytes
  • Caveolin-1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

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