Krüppel-like factor 2: a central regulator of B cell differentiation and plasma cell homing

Front Immunol. 2023 May 12:14:1172641. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1172641. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

The development of B cells, their activation and terminal differentiation into antibody-producing plasma cells are characterized by alternating phases of proliferation and quiescence that are controlled by complex transcriptional networks. The spatial and anatomical organization of B cells and plasma cells inside lymphoid organs as well as their migration within lymphoid structures and between organs are prerequisites for the generation and the maintenance of humoral immune responses. Transcription factors of the Krüppel-like family are critical regulators of immune cell differentiation, activation, and migration. Here, we discuss the functional relevance of Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) for B cell development, B cell activation, plasma cell formation and maintenance. We elaborate on KLF2-mediated regulation of B cell and plasmablast migration in the context of immune responses. Moreover, we describe the importance of KLF2 for the onset and the progression of B cell-related diseases and malignancies.

Keywords: B cells; IgA; KLF2; integrins; mucosal immunity; multiple myeloma; plasma cells; quiescence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Humans
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors* / genetics
  • Plasma Cells*
  • Transcription Factors

Substances

  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
  • Transcription Factors
  • KLF2 protein, human

Grants and funding

This work was funded in part by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) project grant TRR130 P09 (GEPRIS DFG project number: 215346292) to WS. We acknowledge financial support by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg within the funding programme “Open Access Publication Funding”.