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IL-10-producing B220+CD11c- APC in mouse spleen
Fiona Burke1, Andrew J Stagg, Penelope A Bedford
1Antigen Presentation Research Group, Faculty of Medicine. Imperial College London, Harrow, United Kingdom.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|August 6, 2004
Summary
Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) shape immune responses. In mice, certain B cells (B220+) in the spleen act like dendritic cells (DCs), stimulating T cells and producing IL-10, potentially regulating immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Spleen Biology
Background:
- Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are crucial for initiating adaptive immune responses.
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are primary APCs, but other cell types can also present antigens.
- B cells, particularly marginal zone B cells, reside in the spleen and have APC functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the phenotype and function of B220(+)CD11c(-) APCs with CD11c(+) spleen DC subsets in mice.
- To investigate the lineage and cytokine production profile of DC-like B cells.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry analysis of spleen APC populations (B220, CD11c, CD19, Ig).
- T cell stimulation assays using isolated APC populations.
- Cytokine production analysis (IL-10, IL-12) following bacterial stimulation.
- Analysis of APCs in RAG-2(-/-) mice.
Main Results:
- Low-density B220(+) cells exhibited DC-like morphology, T cell stimulatory capacity, and high MHC/costimulatory molecule expression.
- The majority of B220(+) cells were identified as B cells (CD19+, Ig+) and were absent in RAG-2(-/-) mice.
- These DC-like B cells preferentially produced IL-10 upon bacterial stimulation, unlike DCs which produced IL-12.
- A minor population of B220(+)CD11c(-) cells lacking B cell markers also produced IL-10 and may represent a DC subset.
Conclusions:
- Spleen B220(+) APCs, including DC-like B cells, can stimulate naive T cells and preferentially produce IL-10.
- These findings suggest a role for these cells in initiating regulatory immune responses.
- The study highlights the functional plasticity of B cells and potential overlap with DC function in the spleen.