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Efficient Isolation Protocol for B and T Lymphocytes from Human Palatine Tonsils
Published on: November 16, 2015
Subepithelial B cells in the human palatine tonsil. II. Functional characterization
1Servizio di Immunologia Clinica, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genova, Italy. manlio@igecuniv.cisi.unige.it
European Journal of Immunology
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Subepithelial B cells in tonsils produce IgM antibodies to T cell-independent type-2 antigens and are potent stimulators of T cells, unlike peripheral blood B cells. These findings characterize a unique, non-recirculating B cell subset.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Subepithelial (SE) B cells represent a distinct B cell population within tonsils.
- Understanding their unique functional properties is crucial for comprehending mucosal immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional characteristics of human tonsillar SE B cells.
- To compare SE B cells with germinal center (GC) and follicular mantle (FM) B cells.
- To elucidate the antigen-presenting capabilities of SE B cells.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and functional analysis of SE, GC, and FM B cells from human tonsils.
- In vitro antibody production assays stimulated with T cell-independent antigens.
- Mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assays to assess T cell stimulation.
- Flow cytometry to analyze cell surface marker expression.
Main Results:
- SE B cells produced IgM antibodies to T cell-independent type-2 (TI-2) antigens, a function absent in FM and GC B cells.
- SE B cells expressed high Bcl-2 levels and resisted spontaneous apoptosis.
- SE B cells, upon activation, efficiently stimulated allogeneic T cells via CD80/CD86, though less so than dendritic cells.
- SE B cells were found to be a non-recirculating subset, largely absent in peripheral blood.
Conclusions:
- Tonsillar SE B cells possess unique functional attributes, including TI-2 antigen responsiveness and potent T cell stimulatory capacity.
- These cells represent a distinct, non-recirculating B cell subset with characteristics similar to splenic marginal zone B cells.
- SE B cells play a significant role in initiating T cell responses at mucosal sites.
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