LAUSR

The transcriptional co-activator BOB.1/OBF.1, originally identified in B cells, plays an essential role for the development and function of B and T lymphocytes. The main characteristic of BOB.1/OBF.1-deficient mice is the absence of germinal center formation due to a failure of both B cells as well as follicular B helper T cells. Here we describe a novel, not noticed before feature of BOB.1/OBF.1-deficient mice - the reduction in number and size of Peyer's Patches that in addition exhibit a disturbed microarchitecture. Our results indicate that BOB.1/OBF.1 plays an important role in lymphoid organogenesis, most likely by affecting the CXCL13- CXCR5-Lymphotoxin α1/β2 axis. Therefore, the reduced B and T cell numbers found in lymph nodes and spleen of BOB.1/OBF.1-deficient animals could be, in addition to B cell developmental defects, also a result of an insufficient secondary lymphoid organogenesis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.