Enhancement of terminal B lymphocyte differentiation in vitro by fibroblast-like stromal cells from human spleen
✍ Scribed by Grzegorz Skibinski; Anna Skibinska; Grant D. Stewart; Keith James
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 1998
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 118 KB
- Volume
- 28
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0014-2980
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✦ Synopsis
Stromal elements are major components of lymphoid tissues contributing to both tissue architecture and function. In this study we report on the phenotype and function of fibroblast-like stromal cells obtained from human spleen. These cells express high levels of CD44 and ICAM-1 and moderate levels of VLA-4, VCAM, CD40 and CD21. They fail to express endothelial, epithelial, lymphocyte and monocyte/macrophage markers. We show that these cells interact with B cell blasts induced in vitro by anti-CD40 and anti-? stimulation. As a result of these interactions both IL-6 and IgG secretion into culture medium is increased. The enhanced secretion of IgG is partly inhibited by abolishing B cell blaststromal cell contact or by anti-IL-6, anti-VCAM or anti-CD49d antibodies. Our studies also suggest that the ability of stromal cells to promote B cell survival is most likely the underlying mechanism of the enhanced immunoglobulin secretion. Comparison of stromal cells from different lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs revealed that bone marrow-and spleenderived stromal cells are the most effective in promoting B cell blast differentiation.