CCR6^hiCD11c^int B cells promote M-cell differentiation in Peyer's patch

M cells are responsible for uptake of mucosal antigens in Peyer's patches (PPs). Differentiation of M cells is thought to be induced by interactions between follicle-associated epithelium and PP cells; however, it remains elusive what types of immune cells function as M-cell inducers. Here, we attempted to identify the cells that serve as an M-cell inducer in PP. We found that a unique B-cell subset characterized by CCR6^hiCD11c^int resided in the subepithelial dome (SED) in mouse PP. CCR6^hiCD11c^int B cells showed chemotactic migration in response to CCL20. Furthermore, this unique B-cell subset substantially decreased in PP of CCR6-deficient mice, indicating that the SED localization of CCR6^hiCD11c^int B cells is most likely regulated by the CCL20-CCR6 system. Concomitantly, CCR6 deficiency caused remarkable decrement of M cells. Moreover, adoptive transfer of CCR6hiCD11c^int B cells from wild-type mice restored the M-cell decrement in CCR6-deficient mice. Collectively, the spatial regulation of CCR6^hiCD11c^int B cells via the CCL20-CCR6 system may play a vital role in M-cell differentiation in mice.