CD1d-dependent immune suppression mediated by regulatory B cells through modulations of iNKT cells

Regulatory B cells (Breg) express high levels of CD1d that presents lipid antigens to invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. The function of CD1d in Breg biology and iNKT cell activity during inflammation remains unclear. Here we show, using chimeric mice, cell depletion and adoptive cell transfer, that CD1d-lipid presentation by Bregs induces iNKT cells to secret IFN-? to contribute, partially, to the down-regulation of T helper (Th)1 and Th17 adaptive immune responses for ameliorating experimental arthritis. Mice lacking CD1d-expressing B cells develop exacerbated diseases compared to wild-type mice, and fail to respond to a-galactosylceramide treatment. Absence of lipid presentation by B cells causes altered activation of iNKT cells, with disruption of regulatory pathways including those involved in metabolism and cytokine responses. Thus, we identify an IL-10-independent mechanism by which Bregs restrain excessive inflammation via lipid presentation.