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Human B cell lines can be triggered to secrete an interleukin 2-like molecule
D Benjamin1, D P Hartmann, L S Bazar
1Saint Francis Research Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73190.
Cellular Immunology
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Human B cells can secrete interleukin 2 (IL-2) or an IL-2-like molecule when stimulated by teleocidin, influencing T cell responses. This finding expands our understanding of B cell function in immune regulation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is crucial for T cell activation and proliferation.
- The capacity of B cells to secrete IL-2 or similar molecules has been investigated.
- Understanding B cell-derived cytokines is essential for comprehending immune system regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether human B cells can be induced to secrete interleukin 2 (IL-2).
- To examine the role of the tumor promoter teleocidin in triggering IL-2 secretion from B cells.
- To characterize the nature of B cell-derived IL-2 and its functional similarities to T cell IL-2.
Main Methods:
- Testing of 19 lymphoma and 6 normal lymphoblastoid cell lines for IL-2 secretion.
- Stimulation of cell cultures with teleocidin and assaying for IL-2 activity using the CTLL-2 assay.
- Characterization of B cell-derived IL-2 using monoclonal antibodies, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and functional proliferation assays.
Main Results:
- Teleocidin triggered IL-2 secretion in a significant proportion of EBV-negative lymphoma and normal lymphoblastoid cell lines.
- IL-2 secretion was not observed in EBV-positive or African Burkitt's cell lines.
- B cell-derived IL-2 exhibited functional similarities to T cell IL-2, including neutralization by anti-IL-2 antibodies and support for T cell proliferation, despite lack of IL-2 mRNA detection.
Conclusions:
- Human B cells can be triggered to secrete IL-2 or an IL-2-like molecule under specific conditions, particularly with teleocidin stimulation.
- B cell-derived IL-2 shares functional characteristics with T cell IL-2, suggesting a role in immune modulation.
- These findings indicate a potential mechanism for B cells to influence T cell activation and proliferation, expanding the known functions of B cells.