IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-Uncovering a role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the differentiation dynamics of human B cells

Uncovering a role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the differentiation dynamics of human B cells

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Luis presented research on the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in directing human B-cell fate. In their culture system, activated B cells split into pre-germinal center (pre-GC) cells or plasmablasts (PVs). Single-cell RNA-seq and chromatin data showed AHR and its repressor are highly expressed in cells trending toward the pre-GC state. To test whether AHR influences fate choice, the team added AHR agonists and antagonists. Agonists increased plasmablast formation and antibody-secreting cells, especially IgM, while antagonists promoted pre-GC differentiation. CRISPR knockouts of AHR or its partner ARNT removed the effect, confirming dependency on AHR signaling. Multiome profiling suggested AHR rapidly changes chromatin accessibility and gene expression, including upregulation of immunoglobulin and IL-2/IL-12 signaling genes and downregulation of MYC, E2F, and glycolysis pathways. Overall, the data suggest AHR promotes plasmablast differentiation at the expense of pre-GC development.

Meta Tag

Date April 19, 2026 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Room 151

Session Regulation of B Cell Responses

Speaker Luis Mena Hernandez

Track Immune Response Regulation: Molecular Mechanisms (IRM)

Year 2026

Keywords

aryl hydrocarbon receptor

AHR signaling

B-cell differentiation

plasmablast formation

pre-germinal center

April 19, 2026 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

151

Regulation of B Cell Responses

Luis Mena Hernandez

Immune Response Regulation: Molecular Mechanisms (IRM)

2026