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Updated: May 29, 2026
Isolation of Precursor B-cell Subsets from Umbilical Cord Blood
Published on: April 16, 2013
Phenotype and function of CD25-expressing B lymphocytes isolated from human umbilical cord blood
1Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, P.O. Box 480, 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden.
Insights
CD25-expressing B cells in cord blood are a distinct subset with immunomodulatory functions. These cells exhibit characteristics suggesting they are primed for proliferation and migration.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Approximately 30% of human peripheral blood B cells express CD25.
- CD25+ B cells represent a mature memory B-cell subset with enhanced proliferative and antigen-presenting capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the CD25-expressing subset of B cells within human cord blood.
Main Methods:
- Mononuclear cells from human cord blood and peripheral adult blood were sorted into CD20+CD25+ and CD20+CD25- B-cell populations.
- Phenotypic and functional analyses were performed using flow cytometry, proliferation assays, cytokine production, and immunoglobulin secretion measurements.
Main Results:
- CD25+ B cells constitute a minor population (5%) of cord blood B cells.
- These cells are characterized by high CD5 expression in cord blood and CD27 in adult blood.
- CD25+ B cells possess a functional IL-2 receptor, express high levels of CC-chemokine receptors, and spontaneously produce IgG and IgM antibodies.
Conclusions:
- CD25 expression identifies a specific immunomodulatory B-cell subset.
- This subset is poised for proliferation upon IL-2 stimulation and potential migration for tissue homing and differentiation.
Background:
We have shown that approximately 30% of human peripheral blood B-cells express CD25. B cells expressing CD25 display a mature phenotype belonging to the memory B-cell population and have a better proliferative and antigen-presenting capacity. The aim of the present study was to characterize the CD25-expressing subset of B cells in human cord blood.
Material And Methods:
Mononuclear cell fraction from human cord blood (n=34) and peripheral adult blood (n=22) was sorted into CD20+CD25+ and CD20+CD25- B-cell populations. Phenotype and function of these B-cell populations were compared using flow cytometry, proliferation, cytokine production, and immunoglobulin secretion.
Results:
CD25-expressing B cells are a limited population of cord blood mononuclear cells representing 5% of the CD20+ B cells. They are characterised by high expression of CD5 in cord blood and CD27 in adult blood. CD25-expressing B cells express a functional IL-2 receptor and high levels of CC-chemokine receptors and spontaneously produce antibodies of IgG and IgM subclass.
Conclusions:
CD25 expression is a common denominator of a specific immunomodulatory B-cell subset ready to proliferate upon IL-2 stimulation, possibly ready to migrate and home into the peripheral tissue for further differentiation/action.
