FTY720 suppresses humoral immunity by inhibiting germinal center reaction

Blood. 2004 Dec 15;104(13):4129-33. doi: 10.1182/blood-2004-06-2075. Epub 2004 Aug 19.

Abstract

FTY720 is a novel immunosuppressant that is highly effective in inhibiting rejection of allografts and autoimmunity in various animal models. It has been shown that the sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) receptors are the direct molecular targets of FTY720. However, the mechanisms responsible for inhibiting specific immune responses by FTY720 are not well resolved. In particular, there is no available information on whether or how this compound affects humoral immunity. We have investigated the effect of FTY720 treatment on B-cell response during the immune response to a well-defined T-dependent antigen. Our data demonstrated that germinal center reaction was significantly reduced in peripheral lymphoid tissues of mice treated with FTY720. In addition, FTY720 treatment inhibited the production of high-affinity, class-switched antibodies, but not the production of low-affinity, immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody. Consistently, FTY720 did not have a significant effect on antibody response to a T-independent antigen. Our results may have important implications in application of FTY720 in immune regulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / blood
  • Antibody Formation / drug effects*
  • Antibody Formation / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Germinal Center / drug effects
  • Germinal Center / immunology*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Propylene Glycols / pharmacology*
  • Sphingosine / analogs & derivatives
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Propylene Glycols
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride
  • Sphingosine