Isotype-specific plasma cells express divergent transcriptional programs

Abstract

Antibodies are produced across multiple isotypes with distinct properties that coordinate initial antigen clearance and confer long-term antigen-specific immune protection. Here, we interrogate the molecular programs of isotype-specific murine plasma cells (PC) following helper T cell-dependent immunization and within established steady-state immunity. We developed a single-cell–indexed and targeted molecular strategy to dissect conserved and divergent components of the rapid effector phase of antigen-specific IgM + versus inflammation-modulating programs dictated by type 1 IgG2a/b + PC differentiation. During antibody affinity maturation, the germinal center (GC) cycle imparts separable programs for post-GC type 2 inhibitory IgG1 + and type 1 inflammatory IgG2a/b + PC to direct long-term cellular function. In the steady state, two subsets of IgM + and separate IgG2b + PC programs clearly segregate from splenic type 3 IgA + PC programs that emphasize mucosal barrier protection. These diverse isotype-specific molecular pathways of PC differentiation control complementary modules of antigen clearance and immune protection that could be selectively targeted for immunotherapeutic applications and vaccine design.