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Activation of NF-kappa B and immunoglobulin expression in response to platelet-activating factor in a human B cell

C S Smith1, W T Shearer

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.

Cellular Immunology
|May 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) activates Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) and increases kappa light chain mRNA in human B cells. This activation occurs through both post-translational protein modification and increased NF-kappa B p105 RNA levels.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) is a key transcriptional regulator in various cell types.
  • In lymphocytes, NF-kappa B influences genes like kappa light chain, MHC, IL-6, and IL-2 receptors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on NF-kappa B activation and kappa light chain mRNA expression in a human B cell line.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which PAF influences NF-kappa B activity.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of Ramos cells with varying concentrations of PAF.
  • Measurement of NF-kappa B p105 RNA levels over time.
  • Assessment of nuclear kappa B binding activity.
  • Analysis of kappa light chain mRNA levels.
  • Use of cycloheximide (CHX) to assess protein synthesis dependence.

Main Results:

  • PAF treatment dose-dependently increased NF-kappa B p105 RNA levels in Ramos cells, peaking at 8-10 hours.
  • PAF rapidly induced nuclear kappa B binding activity within 15 minutes.
  • Increased kappa light chain mRNA levels were observed following PAF treatment.
  • Neither the increase in p105 RNA nor nuclear kappa B binding was blocked by cycloheximide.

Conclusions:

  • PAF activates NF-kappa B in human B cells through at least two distinct mechanisms.
  • These mechanisms involve post-translational protein activation and increased NF-kappa B p105 RNA levels.
  • PAF plays a significant role in regulating NF-kappa B and kappa light chain expression in B lymphocytes.

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