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Lymphotoxin is an important T cell-derived growth factor for human B cells
J H Kehrl1, M Alvarez-Mon, G A Delsing
1Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|November 20, 1987
Summary
Lymphotoxin is a key B cell growth factor found in activated T cells. This study confirms its role in promoting B cell proliferation and immunoglobulin secretion, especially when combined with interleukin-2.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Activated T cells produce factors that promote B cell growth.
- B cell growth factors (BCGF) are crucial for adaptive immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of lymphotoxin in B cell growth.
- To quantify lymphotoxin's contribution to the activity of conditioned media and partially purified BCGF.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two distinct assays for B cell growth factors.
- Employed an antibody against lymphotoxin.
- Performed a competitive binding assay.
- Tested recombinant lymphotoxin's effects on activated B cells.
Main Results:
- Lymphotoxin was identified as a significant contributor to the B cell growth-promoting activity of conditioned media and partially purified BCGF.
- Competitive binding assays confirmed substantial lymphotoxin presence in partially purified BCGF.
- Recombinant lymphotoxin enhanced activated B cell proliferation and immunoglobulin secretion, particularly when combined with interleukin-2.
Conclusions:
- Lymphotoxin is a critical mediator of B cell proliferation and immunoglobulin production.
- The findings highlight lymphotoxin's importance in T cell-dependent B cell activation.