Cyclic AMP induces terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase in immature B cell leukemia lines

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (Tdt), a unique DNA polymerase found only in lymphoid cells, may be involved in the generation of immunoglobulin-combining site diversity. To study the actual metabolic function of the enzyme, we developed a system in which Tdt expression is induced under defined culture conditions. We found that pharmacologic agents that raise intracellular cyclic AMP levels, such as caffeine, induce a three- to 10-fold increase in enzyme biosynthesis rate and activity. This phenomenon is observed only in pre-B cell lines of human or murine origin.