Functional soluble CD100/Sema4D released from activated lymphocytes: possible role in normal and pathologic immune

X Wang1, A Kumanogoh, C Watanabe

  • 1Department of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.

Blood
|May 23, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Soluble CD100 (sCD100), a protein released by activated lymphocytes, enhances B-cell immune responses. This finding suggests sCD100 may play a role in antibody production and autoimmune diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • CD100/Sema4D is a semaphorin family transmembrane protein crucial for immune system function.
  • CD100-deficient mice exhibit impaired antibody production against T-cell-dependent antigens.
  • The interaction between CD100 and CD72 is vital for immune regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of soluble CD100 (sCD100) released from activated lymphocytes.
  • To determine the role of sCD100 in B-cell responses and antibody production.
  • To explore the potential involvement of sCD100 in autoimmune diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Detection of sCD100 in culture supernatants of activated lymphocytes.
  • Affinity purification of sCD100 from activated T-cell supernatants.
  • Production of recombinant sCD100-Fc fusion protein.
  • Assessment of sCD100's effect on CD40-induced B-cell responses.
  • Quantification of sCD100 levels in mouse sera.

Main Results:

  • sCD100 was detected in activated lymphocyte cultures and sera of immunized mice.
  • Recombinant and purified sCD100 significantly enhanced CD40-induced B-cell responses.
  • sCD100 was present in sera of mice immunized with T-cell-dependent antigens but not T-cell-independent antigens.
  • A correlation was found between sCD100 levels and autoantibody titers in MRL/lpr mice.

Conclusions:

  • Soluble CD100 (sCD100) is released from activated lymphocytes and enhances B-cell immune responses.
  • sCD100 may play a significant role in antibody production.
  • sCD100 is implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

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