Factors controlling immunoglobulin production and B cell proliferation

The proliferation and the differentiation of B lymphocytes is under the control of T cell and macrophage produced cytokines which drive resting B cells to the state of antibody-producing plasma cells. Antibodies exert a feedback control of their own production via their interaction with Fc receptor (FcR) bearing cells and the production of Immunoglobulin-Binding Factors (IBF). The fact that some malignant B cells are sensitive to the same factors as normal B lymphocytes opens the possibility to use cytokines as prognostic or therapeutic tools.