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. 1989 Sep 1;170(3):877–886. doi: 10.1084/jem.170.3.877

Ia-mediated signal transduction leads to proliferation of primed B lymphocytes

PMCID: PMC2189451  PMID: 2788709

Abstract

One of the most controversial questions in immunology is the molecular basis by which Th lymphocytes deliver activating signals to quiescent B lymphocytes during T cell-dependent immune responses. Recent studies suggest that T cell-dependent activation of quiescent B lymphocytes may involve signaling mediated by direct T helper cell-B cell contact. Since B cell membrane-associated MHC-encoded class II molecules (Ia) must be recognized by Th lymphocytes for generation of T cell-dependent humoral immune responses, they are obvious candidates for receptors of this signal. Here we report that stimulation of quiescent murine B cells with IL-4 and antibodies against the B cell antigen receptor for 12-16 h primes cells to proliferate in response to immobilized mIa binding ligands. In the presence of additional lymphokines, these B cells differentiate to secrete Ig of IgM and IgG classes. These results suggest that Ia molecules are receptors for direct, T helper cell-B cell contact mediated signaling that results in B cell proliferation.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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