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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
09:49
Induction and Assessment of Class Switch Recombination in Purified Murine B Cells
Published on: August 13, 2010
Thymus-independent class switch recombination is affected by APRIL
Gijs Hardenberg1, Liesbeth van Bostelen, Michael Hahne
1Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Immunology and Cell Biology
|March 26, 2008
Summary
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family member a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) is crucial for B-cell immune responses. APRIL-deficient mice show impaired immunoglobulin A (IgA) responses to thymus-independent (TI) antigens.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), a TNF family member, plays a role in B-cell development and function.
- Previous studies suggested APRIL's involvement in B-cell processes like class switch recombination and plasma cell survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To further investigate the role of APRIL in thymus-independent (TI) B-cell responses.
- To provide additional evidence using APRIL-deficient and transgenic mouse models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized APRIL-deficient and transgenic mouse models.
- Analyzed B-cell responses, specifically immunoglobulin A (IgA) production, to TI B-cell antigens.
Main Results:
- APRIL-deficient mice exhibited an impaired IgA response to TI antigens.
- APRIL transgenic mice demonstrated exaggerated TI B-cell responses.
- Antibody titers, particularly IgA, were sustained and increased in APRIL transgenic mice over time.
Conclusions:
- APRIL is essential for effective thymus-independent (TI) B-cell immune responses.
- Modulating APRIL levels can significantly impact antibody production and duration.
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