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Antigenic phenotype and functional characterization of human tonsil B cells
N Gadol1, M A Peacock, K A Ault
1Becton Dickinson Immunocytometry Systems, Mountain View, CA 94043.
Blood
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Researchers identified two B cell populations in human tonsils using anti-Leu-16 antibody. These distinct B cell types, mantle-zone and germinal-center B cells, show different functional responses to mitogens, aiding in understanding B cell differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- B cells are crucial for adaptive immunity, with distinct subsets playing specific roles.
- Understanding B cell subsets like mantle-zone and germinal-center B cells is key to deciphering immune responses and differentiation pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize distinct B cell populations within human tonsils.
- To investigate the functional differences between identified B cell subsets.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to identify B cell populations based on CD20 antigen (Leu-16) density.
- Multi-color flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assays were employed for phenotypic and functional characterization.
- Tonsil tissue sections were analyzed using anti-Leu-16 staining.
Main Results:
- Two B cell populations, dim and bright Leu-16+, were identified, corresponding to mantle-zone and germinal-center B cells, respectively.
- Dim Leu-16+ B cells secreted IgG and IgM in response to pokeweed mitogen (PWM) and IgG to B cell growth factor (BCGF).
- Bright Leu-16+ B cells secreted IgG in response to BCGF but did not respond to PWM.
Conclusions:
- The functional responses of dim and bright Leu-16+ B cells align with their identification as mantle-zone and germinal-center B cells.
- Phenotypic and functional analysis of these B cell subsets provides insights into the B cell differentiation pathway within the germinal center.