IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-Dynamic nutrient sensing in plasma cells licenses immunoglobulin A secretion

Dynamic nutrient sensing in plasma cells licenses immunoglobulin A secretion

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The talk described a new mechanism regulating IgA plasma cell secretion in the small intestine through nutrient sensing. The speaker first showed that cholesterol metabolites, especially 25-hydroxycholesterol, inhibit the transcription factor ZBP2, reducing IgA plasma cell generation and secretion, while improving susceptibility to pathogens. They then demonstrated that ZBP2 directly promotes expression of BLIMP1, a master regulator of antibody secretion, and that this effect is specific to IgA cells rather than IgG.  <br /><br />The second major pathway involved alanine uptake. Dietary and microbial alanine increased mTORC1 activity, boosted IgA-secreting plasma cells in mice and humans, and enhanced protection against Salmonella. Finally, the speaker showed that mTORC1 and ZBP2 interact functionally, with rapamycin and cholesterol metabolites blocking alanine-driven IgA responses. Overall, the work reveals how lipid and amino acid sensing jointly control IgA immunity and may inform therapies for mucosal immune disorders.

Meta Tag

Date April 19, 2026 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM

Room 151

Session Regulation of B Cell Responses

Speaker Simona Ceglia

Track Immune Response Regulation: Molecular Mechanisms (IRM)

Year 2026

Keywords

IgA plasma cells

ZBP2

25-hydroxycholesterol

alanine mTORC1

mucosal immunity

April 19, 2026 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM

151

Regulation of B Cell Responses

Simona Ceglia

Immune Response Regulation: Molecular Mechanisms (IRM)

2026