RNA-seq analysis of SPL integrin b7hi or integrin b7lo PCs, or BM PCs

Newly generated plasma cells in secondary lymphoid organs migrate to niches in the bone marrow, wherein they survive as long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs). Although characterization of LLPCs has been well performed, it is still unclear what is key determinant(s) for longevity of plasma cells. One postulated model is that heterogeneity of plasma cells is formed by such as BCR affinity and/or microenvironment at the induction site, and some of these variables may instruct their longevity. Here, we found that, among newly generated IgG plasma cells, integrin b7hi marks plasma cells prone to home to the bone marrow, whereas integrin b7lo cells remain in secondary lymphoid organs. B6 mice were transferred with splenic B cells from B1-8germ S1PR2-CreERT2 R26-LSL-tdTomato CD45.1 mice, immunized with NP-CGG in alum and then treated with tamoxifen at day 7 and 8 after immunization. At day 12 after immunization, IgG1+ CD45.1+ tdTomato+ SPL integrin b7hi or integrin b7lo PCs (CD138+ TACI+), or IgG1+ CD45.1+ tdTomato+ BM PCs were sorted by using FACSAriaII