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Thymic stromal cells can support B cell differentiation from intrathymic precursors
E Montecino-Rodriguez1, A Johnson, K Dorshkind
1Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside 92521, USA.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|February 1, 1996
Summary
The thymus supports B cell development, with thymic stromal cells showing varied abilities to foster B cell differentiation. This suggests a heterogeneous microenvironment for B cell maturation in young mice.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- T lineage cells dominate the thymus, but B cells are also present.
- Recent research questions the intrathymic origin of B cells and the role of thymic stroma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the B cell developmental potential of triple-negative thymocytes.
- To determine the role of thymic stromal cells in supporting B cell development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a novel stromal cell-dependent, long-term culture system.
- Assessed B cell development from CD4-CD8-CD3/TCR- thymocytes using selected thymic stromal cell lines.
Main Results:
- Some thymic stromal cell lines maintained B cell precursors but did not support differentiation.
- Other stromal cell lines efficiently supported the development of surface IgM-expressing B cells.
- Intrathymic B cell generation was most efficient using thymocytes from young mice.
Conclusions:
- The thymic microenvironment is functionally heterogeneous regarding B cell development support.
- Specific thymic stromal cells can promote distinct stages of B cell differentiation.