Publications

Abstract

Humoral immunity depends on both rapid and long-term antibody production against invading pathogens. Fundamental to this is the generation of spatially distinct extrafollicular plasmablast and follicular germinal center (GC) B cell populations, yet the migratory cues that guide responding B cells to these alternative compartments remain undefined. Here we show that expression of the orphan G protein-coupled receptor Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 2 (EBI2) by B cells is essential for their movement to extrafollicular sites and the induction of early plasmablast responses. Conversely, downregulation of EBI2 directs B cells to the center of follicles and is required for GC formation. EBI2 therefore provides a previously uncharacterized dimension to B cell migration that is crucial for coordinating rapid versus long-term antibody responses.