An Interleukin 9-ZBTB18 axis promotes germinal center development of memory B cells [ATAC-seq]

Here we examined the mechanisms that induce the memory program, focusing on interleukin (IL)-9, given its importance for normal recall antibody responses. Using adoptive transfer and radiation chimera models, we found that T cell-derived IL-9 was required for MBC development and function.

In contrast, B cells deficient in IL-9 generated functionally normal MBCs that support antibody recall normally. IL-9 induced expression of the transcriptional repressor ZBTB18 in GC memory precursor cells and MBCs. ZBTB18 was dispensable for naïve B cell activation and GC formation but required for development of GC-derived MBCs.