Related Experiment Videos
Nerve growth factor production by lymphocytes
L Santambrogio1, M Benedetti, M V Chao
1Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, NY 10016.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|November 15, 1994
Summary
Lymphocytes, including T and B cells, synthesize and secrete active nerve growth factor (NGF). This secreted NGF can impact both the immune system and peripheral neurons.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) is crucial for neuronal development and survival.
- Emerging evidence suggests NGF also influences immune cells.
- The non-neuronal sources of NGF require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify extra-neural sources of NGF.
- To investigate NGF synthesis and secretion by immune cells.
- To determine the functional activity of lymphocyte-derived NGF.
Main Methods:
- Detection of NGF mRNA in lymphocytes using RNase protection assay, PCR, and DNA sequencing.
- Analysis of NGF protein expression and secretion via Western blot.
- Assessment of secreted NGF activity on PC12 cells and 3T3 fibroblasts.
Main Results:
- NGF-specific mRNA was detected in mouse CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, splenic B lymphocytes, and a lymphoma cell line.
- Antigenic stimulation increased NGF mRNA in Th2 clones.
- Secreted NGF was biologically active, inducing PC12 cell differentiation and tyrosine kinase autophosphorylation.
Conclusions:
- Lymphocytes synthesize and secrete functional NGF.
- Lymphocyte-derived NGF may act as a para-autocrine factor within the immune system.
- This NGF could also contribute to the maintenance of peripheral neurons.