IMMUNITY 16/5 (2002) 745-754

The dispersal of mucosal memory B cells: Evidence from persistent EBV infection

Laichalk L.L., Hochberg D., Babcock G.J., Freeman R.B., Thorley-Lawson D.A.

Department of Pathology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA

Abstract
We have used latent infection with the human herpesvirus Epstein-Barr virus to track the dispersal of memory B cells from the mucosal lymphoid tissue of Waldeyer's ring (tonsils/adenoids). EBV is evenly distributed between the memory compartments of Waldeyer's ring and the peripheral blood. However, it has an approximately 20-fold higher preference for Waldeyer's ring over the spleen or mesenteric lymph nodes. These observations are consistent with a model whereby the virus preferentially establishes persistent infection within memory B cells from Waldeyer's ring. The virus then colonizes the entire peripheral lymphoid system, at a low level, by trafficking with these memory B cells as they circulate through the body and back to Waldeyer's ring. This pathway may reflect that of normal memory B cells derived from nasopharyngeal and other mucosal lymph nodes.

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