Distinct oxysterol requirements for positioning naïve and activated dendritic cells in the spleen

Erick Lu, Eric V. Dang, Jeffrey G McDonald, Jason G. Cyster

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

64 Scopus citations

Abstract

Correct positioning of dendritic cells (DCs) is critical for efficient pathogen encounter and antigen presentation. Epstein-Barr virus–induced gene 2 (EBI2) has been identified as a chemoattractant receptor required for naïve CD4+DCIR2+ DC positioning in response to 7,25-hydroxycholesterol (7,25-HC). We now provide evidence that a second EBI2 ligand, 7,27-HC, is involved in splenic DCIR2+ DC positioning and homeostasis. Cyp27a1, the enzyme uniquely required for 7,27-HC synthesis, is expressed by stromal cells in the region of naïve DC localization. After activation, DCIR2+ DCs move into the T cell zone. We find that EBI2 is rapidly up-regulated in DCIR2+ DCs under certain activation conditions, and positioning at the B-T zone interface depends on EBI2. Under conditions of type I interferon induction, EBI2 ligand levels are elevated, causing activated DCIR2+ DCs to disperse throughout the T zone. Last, we provide evidence that oxysterol metabolism by Batf3-dependent DCs is important for EBI2-dependent positioning of activated DCIR2+ DCs. This work indicates that 7,27-HC functions as a guidance cue in vivo and reveals a multitiered role for EBI2 in DC positioning. Deficiency in this organizing system results in defective CD4+ T cell responses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbereaal5237
JournalScience Immunology
Volume2
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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