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Nerve growth factor specifically induces human IgG4 production
H Kimata1, A Yoshida, C Ishioka
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University Hospital, Japan.
European Journal of Immunology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Nerve growth factor (NGF) specifically boosts human IgG4 antibody production in B cells. This effect is most pronounced in activated B cells and requires T cells for optimal results, suggesting NGF
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human IgG4 is an antibody isotype with unique effector functions.
- The regulation of IgG4 production by specific factors is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on human IgG4 production.
- To determine the cellular requirements and mechanisms of NGF-induced IgG4 synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Cultures of human tonsillar mononuclear cells were stimulated with NGF.
- Production of various immunoglobulin isotypes and subclasses was measured.
- B cells were depleted of surface IgG4 (sIgG4+) to assess NGF's direct effects.
Main Results:
- NGF selectively enhanced IgG4 production without affecting other immunoglobulin isotypes or IgG subclasses.
- Optimal IgG4 enhancement by NGF required T cells, but NGF also induced IgG4 production in T cell-independent B cell cultures.
- NGF enhanced spontaneous IgG4 production by large activated B cells and also boosted IgM and IgA production in these cells.
Conclusions:
- NGF directly and preferentially stimulates activated sIgG4+ B cells to produce IgG4.
- NGF represents a novel stimulus for IgG4 production, distinct from other tested cytokines.
- These findings elucidate a specific role for NGF in regulating human IgG4 humoral immune responses.