EBI2 or GPR183 is highly expressed in B cells and is increased following their activation. EBI2 is required for the proper localization to inter- and outer-follicular niches of B cells following T-dependent antibody response.
EBI2 is downregulated when B cells differentiate into GC cells. Lack of EBI2 correlates with reduced T-dependent antibody response.
Differentiation between germinal center and extrafollicular-destined B cells occurs during this process of acivation through the expression of EBI2.
Loss of EBI2 --> GC incorporation
persistance of EBI2 receptor --> integration of activated B cell into EF pathway