T cells license immature B cells to produce a broad range of polyreactive antibodies

Immature autoreactive B cells are present in all healthy individuals, but it is unclear which signals are required for their maturation into antibody-producing cells. Inducible depletion of y8 T cells show that direct interaction between y8 T cells and immature B cells in the spleen support an ???innate???transition to mature B cells with a broad range of antigen specificities. IL-4 production of y8 T cells and cell-to-cell contact via CD30L support B cell maturation and induce genes of the unfolded protein response and mTORC1 signaling. Eight days after in vivo depletion of y8 T cells, increased numbers of B cells are already stuck in the transitional phase and express increased levels of IgD and CD21. Absence of y8 T cells leads also to reduced levels of serum anti-nuclear autoantibodies, making y8 T cells an attractive target to treat autoimmunity.

Automated summary

Immature autoreactive B cells in healthy individuals can transition into mature B cells through direct interaction with y8 T cells. IL-4 production and cell-to-cell contact with CD30L support B cell maturation and induce gene expression. Depletion of y8 T cells leads to B cells getting stuck in the transitional phase and decreased levels of anti-nuclear autoantibodies.