Factors of the bone marrow microniche that support human plasma cell survival and immunoglobulin secretion

Nat Commun. 2018 Sep 12;9(1):3698. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-05853-7.

Abstract

Human antibody-secreting cells (ASC) in peripheral blood are found after vaccination or infection but rapidly apoptose unless they migrate to the bone marrow (BM). Yet, elements of the BM microenvironment required to sustain long-lived plasma cells (LLPC) remain elusive. Here, we identify BM factors that maintain human ASC > 50 days in vitro. The critical components of the cell-free in vitro BM mimic consist of products from primary BM mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), and hypoxic conditions. Comparative analysis of protein-protein interactions between BM-MSC proteomics with differential RNA transcriptomics of blood ASC and BM LLPC identify two major survival factors, fibronectin and YWHAZ. The MSC secretome proteins and hypoxic conditions play a role in LLPC survival utilizing mechanisms that downregulate mTORC1 signaling and upregulate hypoxia signatures. In summary, we identify elements of the BM survival niche critical for maturation of blood ASC to BM LLPC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 14-3-3 Proteins / metabolism
  • Adult
  • Antibody-Producing Cells / cytology
  • Antibody-Producing Cells / metabolism
  • Bone Marrow / metabolism*
  • Cell Survival / genetics
  • Cell Survival / physiology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Female
  • Fibronectins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Middle Aged
  • Protein Binding
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 13 / metabolism
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • 14-3-3 Proteins
  • Fibronectins
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 13
  • YWHAZ protein, human