Distribution and phenotype of rotavirus-specific B cells induced during the antigen-driven primary response to 2/6 virus-like particles administered by the intrarectal and the intranasal routes

Selection of mucosal sites is an important step in mucosal vaccine development. The intrarectal (IR) route represents an alternative to the oral route of immunization; nevertheless, immune responses induced by this route are not well defined. Here, we studied the early primary B cell response (induction, homing, and phenotype) induced by IR immunization with rotavirus (RV)‐2/6 virus‐like particles (VLP). Using flow cytometry, we traced RV‐specific B cells in different lymphoid tissues and analyzed the expression of α4β7 and CCR9, which are important receptors for homing to the gut, as well as CD5, a marker expressed by B1‐a cells, which are a major source of natural antibodies. We observed a massive, specific B cell response in rectal follicles, lumbar, and mesenteric lymph nodes but not in Peyer's patches or cervical lymph nodes. A minority of cells expressed α4β7, suggesting a probable lack of migration to the gut, whereas CCR9 and CD5 were expressed by 30–50% and 30–75% of specific B cells, respectively. Then, we compared the intranasal route of immunization and observed similar B cell frequency and phenotype but in respiratory lymphoid tissues. These results confirm the high compartmentalization of B cell responses within the mucosal system. They show that CCR9 expression, conversely to α4β7, is not restricted to B cells induced in the gut. Finally, an important part of the RV‐specific B cell response induced at the mucosal level during the primary response to VLP is most likely a result of B1‐a cells.