Expression of complement receptor 2 (CD21), membrane IgM and the inhibitory receptor CD32 (FcγRIIb) in the lymphoid tissues of neonatal calves

Limited active antibody responses in neonates following vaccination have been attributed to immaturity of the immune system and to the suppressive effects of maternal antibodies. The activating receptor CD21 (CR2), when co-ligated with membrane IgM (mIgM) by complement-bound antigen lowers the threshold for activation of B lymphocytes. The inhibitory receptor CD32 (FcγRII) when co-ligated with mIgM by antigen–antibody complexes raises the threshold for activation. Expression of these receptors, which potentially play roles in regulation of B cell responses in the presence of maternal antibodies in neonates, has been recently characterized in blood lymphocytes in neonatal calves. Little is known however about expression of these receptors in the lymphoid tissues, where immune responses are initiated. In this study, expression of CD21, mIgM and CD32 receptors by B lymphocytes was studied in a range of lymphoid tissues including spleen, lymph nodes and bone marrow from newborn and 7-week-old calves using flow cytometry. The proportion of naïve B lymphocytes in the lymphocyte gate was significantly lower in blood and spleen of newborn calves compared to 7-week-old calves. Over 90% of B lymphocytes expressed CD21 in the lymphoid tissues. In the lymph nodes and spleen, a lower proportion of mIgM+ B lymphocytes expressed CD32 compared to blood. In addition, intensity of expression of CD32 on B cells in lymph nodes was significantly lower compared to that in blood, suggesting a lower potential for inhibitory signalling in B cells in the lymphoid microenvironment. Investigation of the CD5+ B cell population (as an indicator of B1 B cells) suggested an increase in the proportion of IgM+CD5+ cells with age in calves, in both blood and lymphoid tissue, in contrast to the situation in humans and mice. Overall, the majority of naïve B lymphocytes in lymphoid tissues in neonatal calves expressed both activating (CD21, mIgM) and inhibitory (CD32) receptors. These receptors may provide targets for novel adjuvants, to lower the threshold for activation of B cells in neonates, and enhance antibody responses.