A role for brain-derived neurotrophic factor in B cell development

Berit Schuhmann1, Alexander Dietrich, Serdar Sel

  • 1Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital, Philipps-Universität, Baldingerstrasse, 35033 Marburg, Germany.

In the present study, we demonstrated a significant reduction of B lymphocytes in the blood, spleen and bone marrow of BDNF deficient mice. The observed developmental block in bone marrow B cell development was linked specifically to the Pre-BII stage. B lymphocytes express the BDNF receptors p75NTR and TrkB(gp95), while no BDNF expression was found. However, a strong BDNF expression was demonstrated in bone marrow stromal cells. An increase of intracellular free calcium [Ca2+]i in B lymphocytes after BDNF application confirms a direct responsiveness of B lymphocytes to BDNF. In conclusion, these results suggest a role of BDNF for normal B lymphocyte development through paracrine effects in the bone marrow.