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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Generation of Human CD40-activated B cells
Published on: October 16, 2009
CD137 promotes proliferation and survival of human B cells
Xiaoyu Zhang1, Caroline J Voskens, Michelle Sallin
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. xzhang@smail.umaryland.edu
Abstract:
CD137 (4-1BB)-mediated costimulation plays an important role in directing the fate of Ag-stimulated T cells and NK cells, yet the role of CD137 in mediating B cell function is unknown. We found that CD137 is expressed in vitro on anti-Ig-stimulated peripheral blood B cells and in vivo on tonsillar B cells with an activated phenotype. In vitro CD137 expression is enhanced by CD40 stimulation and IFN-gamma and is inhibited by IL-4, -10, and -21. The expression of CD137 on activated human B cells is functionally relevant because engagement with its ligand at the time of activation stimulates B cell proliferation, enhances B cell survival, and induces secretion of TNF-alpha and -beta. Our study suggests that CD137 costimulation may play a role in defining the fate of Ag-stimulated human B cells.
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