Isotype-specific plasma cells express divergent transcriptional programs
Brett W. Higgins, Andrew G. Shuparski, Karen B. Miller, Amanda M. Robinson, Louise J. McHeyzer‐Williams, Michael G. McHeyzer‐Williams
Abstract
Antibodies are produced across multiple isotypes with distinct properties that coordinate initial antigen clearance and confer long-term antigen-specific immune protection. Here, we interrogate the molecular programs of isotype-specific murine plasma cells (PC) following helper T cell-dependent immunization and within established steady-state immunity. We developed a single-cell–indexed and targeted molecular strategy to dissect conserved and divergent components of the rapid effector phase of antigen-specific IgM + versus inflammation-modulating programs dictated by type 1 IgG2a/b + PC differentiation. During antibody affinity maturation, the germinal center (GC) cycle imparts separable programs for post-GC type 2 inhibitory IgG1 + and type 1 inflammatory IgG2a/b + PC to direct long-term cellular function. In the steady state, two subsets of IgM + and separate IgG2b + PC programs clearly segregate from splenic type 3 IgA + PC programs that emphasize mucosal barrier protection. These diverse isotype-specific molecular pathways of PC differentiation control complementary modules of antigen clearance and immune protection that could be selectively targeted for immunotherapeutic applications and vaccine design.