In the genetically restricted response that follows immunization with (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl coupled to protein carriers, two distinct populations of B cells are observed in the spleens of C57BL/6 mice. By 48 h postimmunization, foci of antigen-binding B cells appear along the periphery of the periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths. These foci expand to contain large numbers of antibody-forming cells that neither bind the lectin, peanut agglutinin, nor mutate the rearranged immunoglobulin variable region loci. Germinal centers containing peanut agglutinin-positive B cells can be observed by 96-120 h after immunization. Although specific for the immunizing hapten, these B cells do not produce substantial amounts of antibody, but are the population that undergoes somatic hypermutation and affinity-driven selection. Both focus and germinal center populations are pauciclonal, founded, on average, by three or fewer B lymphocytes. Despite the highly specialized roles of the focus (early antibody production) and germinal center (higher affinity memory cells) B cell populations, analysis of VH to D to JH joins in neighboring foci and germinal centers demonstrate that these B cell populations have a common clonal origin.
Article|
September 01 1992
In situ studies of the primary immune response to (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl. II. A common clonal origin for periarteriolar lymphoid sheath-associated foci and germinal centers.
J Jacob,
J Jacob
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201.
Search for other works by this author on:
G Kelsoe
G Kelsoe
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201.
Search for other works by this author on:
J Jacob
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201.
G Kelsoe
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201.
Online ISSN: 1540-9538
Print ISSN: 0022-1007
J Exp Med (1992) 176 (3): 679–687.
Citation
J Jacob, G Kelsoe; In situ studies of the primary immune response to (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl. II. A common clonal origin for periarteriolar lymphoid sheath-associated foci and germinal centers.. J Exp Med 1 September 1992; 176 (3): 679–687. doi: https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.176.3.679
Download citation file: