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Altered VH gene segment utilization in the response to phosphorylcholine by aged mice
S C Riley1, B G Froscher, P J Linton
1Department of Immunology, Scripps Clinic & Research Foundation, La Jolla, CA 92037.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Aged mice show more phosphorylcholine (PC)-responsive B cells, including novel types not seen in young mice. This suggests immune system changes with age impact B cell development and diversity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Aging Research
- B cell Biology
Background:
- The immune system undergoes significant changes with age, affecting B cell responses.
- Phosphatidylcholine (PC)-specific B cells are crucial for immune memory and are often studied to understand B cell repertoire development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-associated changes in the frequency and characteristics of B cell precursors responsive to phosphorylcholine (PC).
- To explore the diversity of B cell receptor (BCR) gene usage in aged mice compared to young adults.
Main Methods:
- Culture of bone marrow B cell precursors from aged BALB/c mice in splenic fragment cultures.
- Stimulation of cultures to assess phosphorylcholine (PC) responsiveness.
- Generation and analysis of PC-specific hybridomas derived from aged mouse bone marrow cells.
Main Results:
- Aged mice exhibited a markedly increased frequency of PC-responsive B cell precursors.
- This increase was observed in both precursors using the common VHS107 phenotype and those using other VH genes.
- PC-specific hybridomas from aged mice utilized novel VH gene families not previously seen in young mice's PC responses.
Conclusions:
- Aged mice demonstrate an expanded and more diverse repertoire of PC-specific B cells.
- The findings suggest age-related alterations in V region gene utilization during B cell development.
- These results have implications for understanding immune senescence and potential therapeutic strategies.