Regulatory B cells are identified by expression of TIM-1 and can be induced through TIM-1 ligation to promote tolerance in mice

J Clin Invest. 2011 Sep;121(9):3645-56. doi: 10.1172/JCI46274. Epub 2011 Aug 8.

Abstract

T cell Ig domain and mucin domain protein 1 (TIM-1) is a costimulatory molecule that regulates immune responses by modulating CD4+ T cell effector differentiation. However, the function of TIM-1 on other immune cell populations is unknown. Here, we show that in vivo in mice, TIM-1 is predominantly expressed on B rather than T cells. Importantly, TIM-1 was expressed by a large majority of IL-10-expressing regulatory B cells in all major B cell subpopulations, including transitional, marginal zone, and follicular B cells, as well as the B cell population characterized as CD1d(hi)CD5+. A low-affinity TIM-1-specific antibody that normally promotes tolerance in mice, actually accelerated (T cell-mediated) immune responsiveness in the absence of B cells. TIM-1+ B cells were highly enriched for IL-4 and IL-10 expression, promoted Th2 responses, and could directly transfer allograft tolerance. Both cytokine expression and number of TIM-1+ regulatory B cells (Bregs) were induced by TIM-1-specific antibody, and this was dependent on IL-4 signaling. Thus, TIM-1 is an inclusive marker for IL-10+ Bregs that can be induced by TIM-1 ligation. These findings suggest that TIM-1 may be a novel therapeutic target for modulating the immune response and provide insight into the signals involved in the generation and induction of Bregs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / immunology
  • Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 1
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / immunology*
  • Interleukin-10 / genetics
  • Interleukin-10 / immunology
  • Interleukin-4 / genetics
  • Interleukin-4 / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Transplantation Tolerance / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Cytokines
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Havcr1 protein, mouse
  • Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 1
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Rag2 protein, mouse
  • Interleukin-10
  • Interleukin-4