B cell expression of an enzymatic intermediary in ether lipid biosynthesis promotes antibody responses and germinal center size

The qualities of antibody (Ab) responses provided by B lymphocytes and their plasma cell (PC) descendants are crucial facets of responses to vaccines and microbes. Metabolic processes and products regulate aspects of B cell proliferation and differentiation into germinal center (GC) and PC states along with Ab diversification. However, there is little information about lymphoid-cell-intrinsic functions of enzymes that mediate ether lipid biosynthesis. Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) results had indicated that concentrations of a number of these phospholipids were substantially enhanced in GC compared to the background average in spleens, but it was unclear if biosynthesis in B cells was a basis for this finding, or whether cell-intrinsic biosynthesis contributes to B cell physiology or Ab responses. Ether lipid biosynthesis can involve the enzyme PexRAP, encoded by the Dhrs7b gene. Using IMS and immunization experiments in mouse models with inducible Dhrs7b loss of function, we now show that B-lineage-intrinsic expression of PexRAP promotes the magnitude and affinity maturation of a serological response. Moreover, the data revealed a Dhrs7b -dependent increase in ether phospholipids in primary follicles with a more prominent increase in GC. Mechanistically, PexRAP impacted B cell proliferation via enhanced survival associated with controlling levels of ROS and membrane peroxidation. These findings reveal a vital role of this peroxisomal enzyme in B cell homeostasis and the physiology of humoral immunity.