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Identification of a human bone marrow-derived immunoenhancing factor, BDEF
F Mortari1, D C Saffran, S K Singhal
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Cellular Immunology
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Researchers identified a novel protein, p60, from human bone marrow that enhances antibody production. This bone marrow-derived enhancing factor (BDEF) shows potential as a new molecule for immune system modulation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Human bone marrow cells (BMC) produce factors influencing immune responses.
- An unknown factor enhances antibody (Ab) response in human and murine cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the human bone marrow-derived enhancing factor (BDEF).
- To determine the specific protein responsible for enhancing antibody synthesis and immune cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Ultrafiltration and HPLC fractionation of bone marrow supernatants to isolate the active factor.
- PAGE gel electrophoresis to identify protein bands.
- Antibody generation, Western blotting, ELISA, and affinity purification to characterize proteins.
- In vitro assays to assess antibody synthesis, mitogenicity, and enhancement activity.
Main Results:
- A protein fraction with enhancing activity was purified, containing proteins of approximately 60 kDa (p60) and 55 kDa (p55).
- The bone marrow protein p60, but not p55, demonstrated in vitro enhancement of Ab synthesis and mitogenic activity.
- Anti-p60 antibodies abrogated the enhancing effect of BDEF preparations, confirming p60's role.
Conclusions:
- The bone marrow protein p60 is identified as the human bone marrow-derived enhancing factor (BDEF).
- p60 represents a novel molecule produced by human bone marrow that enhances antibody production.
- This finding suggests p60's potential role in immune regulation and therapeutic applications.