The chemotactic receptor EBI2 regulates the homeostasis, localization and immunological function of splenic dendritic cells

Spleen-resident dendritic cell (DC) populations occupy sentinel positions for the capture and presentation of blood-borne antigens. Here we found a difference in expression of the chemotactic receptor EBI2 (GPR183) on splenic DC subsets and that EBI2 regulated the positioning and homeostasis of DCs in the spleen. EBI2 and its main ligand, 7 alpha,25-OHC, were required for the generation of the splenic CD4(+) DC subset and the localization of DCs in bridging channels. Absence of EBI2 from DCs resulted in defects in both the activation of CD4(+) T cells and the induction of antibody responses. Regulated expression of EBI2 on DC populations is therefore critical for the generation and correct positioning of splenic DCs and the initiation of immune responses.