1. In vitro stimulation of human tonsillar subepithelial B cells: requirement for interaction with activated T cells.
- Author
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Dono M, Zupo S, Massara R, Ferrini S, Melagrana A, Chiorazzi N, and Ferrarini M
- Subjects
- CD40 Antigens immunology, Cells, Cultured, Epithelium immunology, Humans, Immunoglobulins biosynthesis, Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 immunology, B-Lymphocytes immunology, Lymphocyte Activation, Lymphocyte Cooperation, Palatine Tonsil immunology, T-Lymphocytes immunology
- Abstract
Human tonsillar subepithelial B cells, which are a marginal zone-equivalent B cell subset, respond readily to T-independent type 2 antigens, but not to polyclonal B cell activators in vitro. In this study, subepithelial (SE) B cells were induced to proliferate and mature into plasma cells when co-cultured with activated T cells. The response of SE B cells was not observed when co-cultures were carried out in transwell chambers or in the presence of blocking anti-LFA-1 antibodies, demonstrating the need for a close T-B cell interaction. The presence of soluble CD40 also prevented the B cell response in vitro suggesting a pivotal role of CD40-CD40 ligand interactions. The data are discussed in terms of the T cell dependence of marginal zone (MZ) B cell response and the possible existence of various MZ B cell subsets.
- Published
- 2001
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