HMGB1 couples LEF1 to regulate B cell immunity.

Abstract

Secreted high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) regulates the adaptive immune response and acts as a biosensor for cells undergoing necrosis, stress, and inflammatory stimulation. However, its role in B cells remains enigmatic. Here, we demonstrate that HMGB1 is critical for peripheral B cell homeostasis and humoral immunity. Conditional deletion of Hmgb1 in B cells led to expanded marginal zone B cells, reduced B1a cells, and impaired antigen-specific antibody responses. Mechanistically, HMGB1 deficiency enhanced proximal and distal B cell receptor (BCR) signaling, probably via increased CD21 expression, which lowered the BCR activation threshold. This phenotype was linked to reduced lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1) levels, a Wnt-responsive transcription factor, as HMGB1 directly bound the Lef1 promoter to sustain its transcription, thereby repressing Cd21. Furthermore, HMGB1 constrained actin reorganization by suppressing the MST1/DOCK8/WASP axis, which feedback-modulated BCR clustering and signalosome recruitment. Collectively, HMGB1 ensures optimal BCR signaling by transcriptionally and cytoskeletally tuning activation thresholds, highlighting its dual role as a nuclear regulator and cytoskeletal modulator in B cell immunity.