Outlining the Role of IgA in Memory Instruction – ORIgAMI
Influenza elicits robust immune responses upon infection, including the production of virus-specific antibodies of the immunoglobulin (Ig)M, IgG, and IgA isotypes. In particular, IgA plays a crucial role in protecting lung mucosal surfaces by neutralizing respiratory viruses and impeding their attachment to epithelial cells. Despite its protective role, we have very limited knowledge of the origin, selection and fate of B cells expressing an IgA B cell receptor (BCR) within germinal center reactions. In this frame, ORIgAMI (Origin and Role of IgA in Mucosal Immunity) will unveil if the IgA BCR:
- Imprints germinal center B cells with a specific transcriptional or epigenetic program.
- Differentially regulates antigen acquisition and selection within germinal center reactions.
- Bias germinal center B cells towards specific effector fates regardless of antigen affinity.
To unveil the dynamics of IgA+ B cells in germinal centers, we will use a respiratory infection model with influenza H1N1 virus, de novo-generated transgenic mice, multi-colour flow cytometry, single-cell RNA/ATAC-seq, high-resolution 3D imaging and DNA-based force sensors. A deep understanding of the biology of IgA-expressing B cells during respiratory viral infection is of fundamental interest and may provide clues towards the design of future vaccination approaches against air-borne pathogens.
Project coordination
Mauro GAYA (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Délégation Provence et Corse_ Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille Luminy)
The author of this summary is the project coordinator, who is responsible for the content of this summary. The ANR declines any responsibility as for its contents.
Partner
CNRS DR12_CIML Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Délégation Provence et Corse_ Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille Luminy
Help of the ANR 328,329 euros
Beginning and duration of the scientific project:
January 2023
- 36 Months