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Human rheumatoid factor-producing cell induction by 2-mercaptoethanol: immunomodulation by a simple thiol compound
International Journal of Immunopharmacology
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Two-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) activates human leukocytes to produce rheumatoid factor and other antibodies. This thiol compound acts as a polyclonal activator of antibody-producing cells, demonstrating its immunomodulating effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Two-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) is a thiol compound known for its immunomodulating effects.
- Its potential as a molecular probe for human antibody-producing cell activation requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate 2-ME as a molecular probe for human antibody-producing cell activation.
- To determine the optimal concentration of 2-ME for inducing antibody production.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes from normal volunteers were cultured with varying concentrations of 2-ME.
- Hemolytic plaque-forming cell (PFC) assays were used to measure antibody production, specifically rheumatoid factor (RF-PFC) and antibodies to trinitrophenyl (TNP) hapten.
Main Results:
- 2-ME significantly induced RF-PFC formation in normal human leukocytes.
- The optimal concentration for inducing RF-PFC was 5 x 10(-5)M.
- This concentration also maximally induced TNP-specific PFC, indicating 2-ME is a polyclonal activator.
- Adding 2-ME to pokeweed mitogen and aggregated IgG cultures increased RF-PFC by approximately 50%.
Conclusions:
- 2-ME induces normal human leukocytes to produce rheumatoid factor as part of a polyclonal activation of antibody-producing cells.
- 2-ME exhibits immunomodulating effects when combined with other polyclonal stimulators.