Syndecans and glycosaminoglycans influence B cell development and activation

ABSTRACT: Syndecans (SDCs) are glycosaminoglycan-containing cell surface proteins with diverse functions in the immune system with SDC1 (CD138) and SDC4 expressed in B lineage cells. Here, we show that stem cells lacking either molecule generate fewer B cell progenitors but give rise to mature B cells in vivo. Deletion of the plasma cell 'marker' CD138 has no effect on homeostatic or antigen-induced plasma cell formation. Naïve B cells express high SDC4 and encounter with cognate antigen results in transient CD138 upregulation and SDC4 loss, both further modulated by IL-4, IL-21, and CD40 ligation. SDC4 is downregulated on germinal center B cells and absent on most memory B cells. Glycosaminoglycans such as those attached to SDCs, and heparin, a commonly used therapeutic, regulate survival and activ

SUBMITTER: Craig, I McKenzie 

PROVIDER: S-SCDT-10_1038-S44319-025-00432-6 | biostudies-other |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other