Mzb1 Protein Regulates Calcium Homeostasis, Antibody Secretion, and Integrin Activation in Innate-like B Cells

Marginal zone (MZ) B cells of the spleen and B1 cells, termed innate-like B cells, differ from follicular B cells by their attenuated Ca2+ mobilization, fast antibody secretion, and increased cell adhesion. We identified and characterized Mzb1 as an endoplasmic reticulum-localized and B cell-specific protein that was most abundantly expressed in MZ B and B1 cells. Knockdown of Mzb1 in MZ B cells increased Ca2+ mobilization and nuclear NFAT transcription factor localization, but reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced antibody secretion and integrin-mediated cell adhesion. Conversely, ectopic expression of an Lck-Mzb1 transgene in peripheral T cells resulted in attenuated Ca2+ mobilization and augmented integrin-mediated cell adhesion. In addition to its interaction with the substrate-specific chaperone Grp94, Mzb1 augmented the function of the oxidoreductase ERp57 in favoring the expression of integrins in their activated conformation. Thus, Mzb1 helps to diversify peripheral B cell functions by regulating Ca2+ stores, antibody secretion, and integrin activation.