EBI2 Guides Serial Movements of Activated B Cells and Ligand Activity Is Detectable in Lymphoid and Nonlymphoid Tissues

Abstract

EBV-induced gene 2 (EBI2) was recently shown to direct the delayed movement of activated B cells to interfollicular and outer follicular regions of secondary lymphoid organs and to be required for mounting a normal T-dependent Ab response. In this study, we show that EBI2 promotes an early wave of Ag-activated B cell migration to the outer follicle in mice. Later, when B cells have moved to the T zone in a CCR7-dependent manner, EBI2 helps distribute the cells along the B zone–T zone boundary. Subsequent EBI2-dependent movement to the outer follicle coincides with CCR7 downregulation and is promoted by CD40 engagement. Using a bioassay, we identify a proteinase K-resistant, hydrophobic EBI2 ligand activity in lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues. Production of EBI2 ligand activity by a cell line is sensitive to statins, suggesting production in a 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase–dependent manner. CD40-activated B cells show sustained EBI2-dependent responsiveness to the bioactivity. These findings establish a role for EBI2 in helping control B cell position at multiple stages during the Ab response and they suggest that EBI2 responds to a broadly distributed lipid ligand.