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RAG1 and RAG2 in developing rabbit appendix subpopulations
P Fuschiotti1, M G Fitts, R Pospisil
1Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Young rabbit appendix contains RAG gene products, indicating it
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The rabbit appendix is a key site for B cell diversification and selection.
- Previous studies on RAG2 protein in chicken bursa did not support its role in gene conversion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and role of RAG gene products in the young rabbit appendix.
- To determine if RAG2 protein is present in rabbit appendix lymphocytes.
Main Methods:
- Appendix cells from young rabbits (6-9 weeks old) were stained and sorted based on CD43 and IgM surface markers.
- RAG1 transcripts and RAG2 protein were detected in specific cell populations.
- Anti-rabbit RAG2 antibodies were produced to detect RAG2 protein.
Main Results:
- RAG1 transcripts and RAG2 protein were found in CD43+IgM- and CD43-IgM- appendix cells.
- RAG2 protein was detected in all four subpopulations of rabbit appendix lymphocytes.
- The presence of RAG gene products suggests the presence of pro-/pre-B cells.
Conclusions:
- The young rabbit appendix serves as a site for both B cell development and diversification.
- RAG gene products appear during various B cell maturation stages in the rabbit appendix.
- These findings support the appendix's role in B cell maturation and gene diversification.
