Regulation of class II gene expression: analysis in B cell stimulatory factor 1-inducible murine pre-B cell lines

We have analyzed the mechanism of action of BSF-1 on class II gene expression in two murine pre-B cell lines that are at different stages of differentiation. In vitro transcription assays demonstrated that BSF-1 induced rapid transcription of class II genes within 1 hr by a mechanism that was independent of protein synthesis. Although cell surface expression of class II was detectable by 2 hr after induction and persisted for up to 96 hr after removal of BSF-1, levels of class II-specific mRNA and density of cell surface class II increased to a maximum between 24 and 72 hr after induction. Furthermore, prostaglandin E2 prevented the induction of class II gene expression by BSF-1. The effects of BSF-1 are unlikely to be mediated through calcium fluxes or activation of protein kinase C, since treatment with agents such as PMA and the calcium ionophore A23187 did not result in expression of class II molecules. Other lymphokines, such as IFN-gamma, IL 1, IL 2, and IL 3, did not affect class II gene expression in these two cell lines. These data provide further insight into the mechanisms by which class II gene expression is regulated in B cells.