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Alternative pathway of complement activation by human lymphoblastoid B and T cell lines
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|September 1, 1983
Summary
Human T cell lines activate the alternative complement pathway independently of Epstein Barr virus, though less effectively than B cell lines. This pathway activation differs significantly in normal lymphocytes and leukemic cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The alternative complement (C) pathway is crucial in immune responses.
- Previous studies linked Epstein Barr virus (EBV) transformation of B cells to complement activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the alternative complement pathway activation by human lymphoblastoid T cell lines.
- To compare complement activation between T cell lines, B cell lines, and normal lymphocytes.
Main Methods:
- Assessing C3 deposition on cell surfaces as a measure of complement activation.
- Analyzing the role of factor D and serum protease inhibitors.
- Quantifying membrane sialic acid content.
Main Results:
- Human T cell lines lacking EBV-DNA activate the alternative complement pathway.
- Complement activation by T cell lines was weaker than by B cell lines (e.g., JURKAT: 68%, MOLT 4: 38%).
- Activation by T cells required factor D, unlike EBV-transformed B cells which possess mimicking activity.
Conclusions:
- Lymphoblastoid T cell lines, similar to B cell lines, can activate the alternative complement pathway.
- Normal lymphocytes and leukemic cells show negligible alternative pathway activation compared to lymphoblastoid lines.
- Membrane sialic acid content did not correlate with complement activation ability.