Two B cell subpopulations have distinct recirculation characteristics.

This report describes two subpopulations of B cells in sheep. These subpopulations have distinct recirculation characteristics and tissue distributions. Phenotypically the populations are distinguished by their differential expression of the complement receptors, CD21 (CR2) and CD11b/CD18 (CR3). CD11b+ B cells are surface (s)IgMhi, co-express CD11c but are L-selectin negative. They populate the splenic marginal zone but are absent from splenic and ileal Peyer's patch (IPP) follicles and both afferent and efferent lymph compartments. Fluorescent tracing experiments showed that the CD11b+ B cells are non-recirculating as they did not appear in lymph after intravenous inoculation but are restricted to the blood and spleen. The CD11b-negative population expresses a conformational determinant of CD21 that is recognized by the monoclonal antibody Du 2-74. These cells are sIgMlo and co-express L-selectin. They populate the splenic and IPP follicles, are absent from the splenic marginal zone and are the only B cells in afferent lymph, efferent lymph and all lymph nodes. Fluorescence tracing experiments showed that the CD21 B cells are recirculating cells with their entry into efferent lymph being detectable by 16 h and peaking at 24-30 h. These data suggest that there are at least two lineages of B cells in the sheep with different phenotypic, functional and recirculation characteristics.