One of the most controversial questions in immunology is the molecular basis by which Th lymphocytes deliver activating signals to quiescent B lymphocytes during T cell-dependent immune responses. Recent studies suggest that T cell-dependent activation of quiescent B lymphocytes may involve signaling mediated by direct T helper cell-B cell contact. Since B cell membrane-associated MHC-encoded class II molecules (Ia) must be recognized by Th lymphocytes for generation of T cell-dependent humoral immune responses, they are obvious candidates for receptors of this signal. Here we report that stimulation of quiescent murine B cells with IL-4 and antibodies against the B cell antigen receptor for 12-16 h primes cells to proliferate in response to immobilized mIa binding ligands. In the presence of additional lymphokines, these B cells differentiate to secrete Ig of IgM and IgG classes. These results suggest that Ia molecules are receptors for direct, T helper cell-B cell contact mediated signaling that results in B cell proliferation.
Article|
September 01 1989
Ia-mediated signal transduction leads to proliferation of primed B lymphocytes.
J C Cambier,
J C Cambier
Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Denver, Colorado 80206.
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K R Lehmann
K R Lehmann
Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Denver, Colorado 80206.
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J C Cambier
Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Denver, Colorado 80206.
K R Lehmann
Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Denver, Colorado 80206.
Online ISSN: 1540-9538
Print ISSN: 0022-1007
J Exp Med (1989) 170 (3): 877–886.
Citation
J C Cambier, K R Lehmann; Ia-mediated signal transduction leads to proliferation of primed B lymphocytes.. J Exp Med 1 September 1989; 170 (3): 877–886. doi: https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.170.3.877
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