Inhibition of murine B and T lymphopoiesis in vivo by an anti-interleukin 7 monoclonal antibody

J Exp Med. 1993 Jul 1;178(1):257-64. doi: 10.1084/jem.178.1.257.

Abstract

The effects of interleukin 7 (IL-7) on the growth and differentiation of murine B cell progenitors has been well characterized using in vitro culture methods. We have investigated the role of IL-7 in vivo using a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes IL-7. We find that treatment of mice with this antibody completely inhibits the development of B cell progenitors from the pro-B cell stage forward. We also provide evidence that all peripheral B cells, including those of the B-1 and conventional lineages, are derived from IL-7-dependent precursors. The results are consistent with the rapid turnover of B cell progenitors in the marrow, but a slow turnover of mature B cells in the periphery. In addition to effects on B cell development, anti-IL-7 treatment substantially reduced thymus cellularity, affecting all major thymic subpopulations.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / immunology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Female
  • Hematopoiesis*
  • Immunoglobulin M / analysis
  • Interleukin-7 / immunology
  • Interleukin-7 / physiology*
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens / analysis
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Interleukin-7
  • anti-IgD
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens