Rewilding catalyzes maturation of the humoral immune system
Journal
Science Advances
Journal Volume
11
Journal Issue
10
Start Page
eads2364
ISSN
2375-2548
Date Issued
2025-03-07
Author(s)
Ying-Han Chen
Kimberly Zaldana
Frank Yeung
Ivan Vujkovic-Cvijin
Alexander E. Downie
Yi Yang
Christin Herrmann
Oyebola Oyesola
Felix Rozenberg
Robert E. Schwartz
David Kim
Kurt Tio
Yasmine Belkaid
P’ng Loke
Andrea L. Graham
Sergei B. Koralov
Ken Cadwell
Abstract
Inbred mice used for biomedical research display an underdeveloped immune system compared with adult humans, which is attributed in part to the artificial laboratory environment. Despite representing a central component of adaptive immunity, the impact of the laboratory environment on the B cell compartment has not been investigated in detail. Here, we performed an in-depth examination of B cells following rewilding, the controlled release of inbred laboratory mice into an outdoor enclosure. In rewilded mice, we observed B cells in circulation with increased signs of maturation, alongside heightened germinal center responses within secondary lymphoid organs. Rewilding also expanded B cells in the gut, which was accompanied by elevated systemic levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies reactive to the microbiota. Our findings indicate that exposing laboratory mice to a more natural environment enhances B cell development to better reflect the immune system of free-living mammals.
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Type
journal article