TNF-α Contributes to Lymphoid Tissue Disorganization and Germinal Center B Cell Suppression during Intracellular Bacterial Infection.

ABSTRACT: Bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections are well-known causes of lymphoid tissue disorganization, although the factors, both host and/or pathogen derived, that mediate these changes are largely unknown. Ehrlichia muris infection in mice causes a loss of germinal center (GC) B cells that is accompanied by the generation of extrafollicular T-bet+ CD11c+ plasmablasts and IgM memory B cells. We addressed a possible role for TNF-α in this process because this cytokine has been shown to regulate GC development. Ablation of TNF-α during infection resulted in an 8-fold expansion of GL7+ CD38lo CD95+ GC B cells, and a 2.5- and 5-fold expansion of CD138+ plasmablasts and T-bet+ memory cells, respectively. These changes were accompanied by a reduction in splenomegaly, more organized T and B cell z

SUBMITTER: Popescu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6810925 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature