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Published on: November 21, 2018
Separable helper factors support B cell proliferation and maturation to Ig secretion
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|August 1, 1982
Summary
Interleukin 2 (IL 2) is crucial for B cell proliferation and antibody secretion. Separable factors in spleen cell supernatant and hybridoma supernatant, both IL 2-dependent, mediate distinct B cell responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Spleen cell culture supernatant (SN) contains helper factors for B cell proliferation and immunoglobulin (Ig) secretion.
- B cells activated with anti-Ig require helper factors for maturation and Ig secretion.
- Interleukin 2 (IL 2), also known as T cell growth factor, is a key cytokine in immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of IL 2 and other factors in B cell activation, proliferation, and Ig secretion.
- To delineate the functions of separable helper factors present in spleen cell supernatant and hybridoma supernatant.
Main Methods:
- Depletion of IL 2 from spleen cell supernatant (SN) using an IL 2-dependent cell line.
- Addition of purified IL 2 or hybridoma supernatant to IL 2-depleted SN to assess restoration of B cell activity.
- Measurement of B cell proliferation (cell number increase) and Ig secretion.
Main Results:
- Removal of IL 2 from SN abolished helper activity for anti-Ig-activated B cells.
- A factor termed TRF (T cell replacing factor) in IL 2-depleted SN, when supplemented with IL 2, restored Ig secretion.
- Hybridoma supernatant supported B cell proliferation but not Ig secretion, and this proliferation was IL 2-dependent.
Conclusions:
- IL 2 is essential for both B cell proliferation and maturation to Ig secretion.
- Distinct helper factor combinations, including IL 2, mediate separable B cell responses: proliferation and Ig secretion.
- The precise target cell for IL 2 action in this B cell system requires further investigation.
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