Related Experiment Videos
Human B cell lines secreting IgM antibody specific for myelin basic protein
J W Zhang1, J Lambrechts, H Heyligen
1Department of Immunology, Dr. L. Willems Instituut, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
Journal of Neuroimmunology
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to create stable human B cell lines secreting antibodies against myelin basic protein. This technique efficiently identifies B cells from multiple sclerosis patients, aiding autoantigen research.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease targeting the central nervous system.
- Myelin basic protein (MBP) is a key autoantigen implicated in MS pathogenesis.
- Generating specific B cell lines for studying autoimmune responses is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish stable human B cell lines secreting IgM antibodies specific for human myelin basic protein (MBP).
- To develop a method for efficient selection and quantitation of antigen-specific B cells.
- To evaluate B cell responses to autoantigens in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed peripheral B cells from MS patients.
- Employed limiting dilution technique to isolate specific B cell clones without pre-selection.
- Cultured and assessed the stability and antibody production of generated cell lines.
Main Results:
- Successfully produced stable human B cell lines secreting IgM antibodies specific for MBP.
- Cell lines remained stable for at least 6 months in continuous culture.
- Achieved antibody production of 5-12 µg/ml within 2 weeks; MBP-specific B cells found at ~1/2500 PBMCs.
Conclusions:
- The described technique enables the production of stable, antigen-specific B cell lines.
- This method is suitable for evaluating B cell responses to autoantigens like MBP.
- Facilitates further research into the role of B cells in autoimmune diseases such as MS.