Objective: To study the expression of CD(40) molecule and the biological effects mediated by CD(40) molecules on malignant B cells.
Methods: Agonistic anti-human CD(40) monoclonal antibody (5C11) was added to the cell culture system. Cell counting, PI staining, Annexin-V staining and flow cytometric analysis were used to study the biological effects of 5C11 on malignant B cell lines.
Results: 5C11 induced homotypic aggregation, proliferation arrest and apoptosis in the multiple myeloma cell line XG2 highly expressed CD(40). 5C11 induced B lymphoma cell line Daudi homotypic aggregation and proliferation arrest but no apoptosis.
Conclusion: 5C11 can inhibit proliferation of malignant B cells by inducing apoptosis or arresting the cells at G(2)/M interphase.