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Characterization of B cells in human thymus
T Kumamoto1, M Inaba, H Imamura
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
Immunobiology
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Human thymus contains B cells, particularly Leu 1 (CD5)+ B cells, found in low-density cell fractions. This discovery expands our understanding of immune cell presence within the thymus.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The human thymus is primarily known as a site for T cell maturation.
- The presence and role of B cells within the thymus are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of B cells in the human thymus.
- To determine the proportion and subtypes of B cells within thymic tissue.
Main Methods:
- Cytofluorometrical and immunohistological analyses were performed.
- Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) including anti-human IgM, anti-Leu 12Ab, anti-Leu 16Ab, and L26 were utilized.
- Cell populations were fractionated based on density.
Main Results:
- A small population of B cells was detected in the low-density fraction of histologically normal human thymic tissue.
- T cells were predominantly found in the high-density fraction.
- Leu 1 (CD5)+ B cells constituted approximately 50% of the detected thymic B cells, with an average of 3.5% in the low-density fraction.
Conclusions:
- B cells, including a significant proportion of Leu 1 (CD5)+ B cells, are present in the human thymus.
- These findings suggest a potential role for B cells within the thymic microenvironment.
- The results align with previous observations in murine models.