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Monocyte-derived human B-cell growth factor identified as interferon-beta 2 (BSF-2, IL-6).
G Tosato1, K B Seamon, N D Goldman
1Division of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 29, 1988
Summary
Interferon-beta 2 (IFN-beta 2), also known as interleukin-6 (IL-6), acts as a crucial B-cell growth factor. This cytokine promotes the proliferation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected B cells, aiding in their immortalization.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection of B cells can lead to their immortalization.
- Activated monocytes and EBV-infected B cells produce soluble factors that support B cell proliferation.
- Growth factors are implicated in the B-cell immortalization process by EBV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and purify a monocyte-derived factor that promotes the growth of EBV-infected B cells.
- To investigate the role of this factor in EBV-associated B-cell proliferation and immortalization.
Main Methods:
- Purification of a monocyte-derived growth factor.
- Assays to measure the specific activity of the purified factor on EBV-infected B cell growth.
- Identification of the purified factor using known protein nomenclature.
Main Results:
- A monocyte-derived factor was successfully purified.
- The purified factor was identified as interferon-beta 2 (IFN-beta 2), also known as B-cell differentiation factor (BSF-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
- IFN-beta 2/BSF-2 demonstrated significant specific activity (approximately 4 X 10(7) units/mg) in promoting EBV-infected B-cell proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Interferon-beta 2 (IFN-beta 2)/BSF-2 is a potent B-cell growth factor.
- IFN-beta 2/BSF-2 plays a significant role in promoting the proliferation of human B cells infected with EBV.
- This finding highlights the importance of specific growth factors in EBV-mediated B-cell immortalization.