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Immunoglobulin-secreting cells in healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells

N Kondo1, R Inoue, S Shinoda

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Gifu University School of Medicine, Japan.

Insights

This study quantifies immunoglobulin-secreting cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Results show age-related changes in IgM, IgG, and IgA-secreting cells, potentially impacting in vivo immunity.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Immunoglobulin-secreting cells are crucial for adaptive immunity.
  • Understanding their prevalence and age-related dynamics is vital for assessing immune function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the percentage of IgM, IgG, and IgA-secreting cells in healthy adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro.
  • To investigate the age-related changes in these immunoglobulin-secreting cell populations.

Main Methods:

  • Measurement of immunoglobulin-secreting cells (IgM, IgG, IgA) in uncultured PBMCs using in vitro assays.
  • Analysis of cell percentages relative to total PBMCs and surface immunoglobulin-bearing cells.
  • Comparison of cell numbers across different age groups (childhood vs. adulthood).

Main Results:

  • In adult PBMCs, the percentages of IgM-, IgG-, and IgA-secreting cells were 0.053%, 0.099%, and 0.065%, respectively.
  • Relative to surface immunoglobulin-bearing cells, these percentages were 0.73% (IgM), 5.2% (IgG), and 3.8% (IgA).
  • Immunoglobulin-secreting cell numbers increased with age during childhood but slightly decreased in adults compared to children aged 9-15 years.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides baseline data on immunoglobulin-secreting cell frequencies in adult PBMCs.
  • Observed age-related decreases in adulthood may contribute to differences in in vivo immune responses.
  • These findings offer insights into the maturational changes of B cells and their antibody-secreting capacity.

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