Type 1 interferon supports B cell responses to polysaccharide antigens but is not required for MPL/TDCM adjuvant effects on innate B cells

We previously described monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and synthetic cord factor, trehalose-6,6’-dicorynomycolate (TDCM) significantly increases antibody (Ab) responses to T cell independent type 2 antigens (TI-2 Ags) in a manner dependent on B cell-intrinsic TLR4 expression as well as MyD88 and TRIF adapter proteins. Given the requirement for TRIF in optimal MPL/TDCM adjuvant effects and the capacity of MPL to drive type I IFN production, we aimed to investigate the extent to which adjuvant effects on TI-2 Ab responses depend on type I IFN receptor (IFNAR) signaling. We found IFNAR −/− mice had impaired early TI-2 Ag-induced B cell activation and expansion and that B cell-intrinsic type I IFN signaling on B cells was essential for normal antibody responses to TI-2 Ags, including haptenated Ficoll and the pneumococcal vaccine, Pneumovax23. However, MPL/TDCM significantly increased TI-2 IgM and IgG responses in IFNAR −/− mice. MPL/TDCM enhanced TI-2 Ab production primarily by activating innate B cells (B-1b and splenic CD23 − B cells) as opposed to CD23 + enriched follicular B cells. In summary, our study highlights an important role for type I IFN in supporting early B cell responses to TI-2 Ags through B cell-expressed IFNAR, but nonetheless demonstrates an MPL/TDCM adjuvant significantly increases TI-2 Ab responses independently of type I IFN signaling and does so by predominantly supporting increased polysaccharide-specific Ab production by innate B cell populations. Key points B cell-intrinsic IFNAR expression promotes TI-2 Ab responses. MPL/TDCM adjuvant effects are independent of type 1 IFN. MPL/TDCM promotes TI-2 Ab responses by innate B cells.