The possibility of B-cell-dependent T-cell development

Scand J Immunol. 2003 May;57(5):446-52. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-3083.2003.01257.x.

Abstract

The development of T cells is thought to be independent of B cells. However, defects in cell-mediated immunity in individuals with B-cell deficiency suggest the contrary. To test whether B cells affect T-lymphocyte development, we constructed mice with a monoclonal T-cell compartment (MT) and monoclonal B- and T-cell compartments (MBTs). In these mice, the T cells expressed a DO 11.10 transgenic (DO-T) cell receptor restricted to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class IId. While CD4+ DO-T lymphocytes are rare in transgenic H-2b MT mice, we found that in H-2b MBT mice under the influence of B cells, DO-T lymphocytes mature into large numbers of CD4+ peripheral T cells. H-2b MBT mice have more CD4+ thymocytes than H-2b MT mice. These data are consistent with the view that B cells play some role in thymocyte development.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Clonal Deletion / immunology
  • H-2 Antigens / immunology
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / genetics
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / immunology
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains / immunology
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / genetics
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / pathology
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Models, Immunological
  • Ovalbumin / immunology
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • H-2 Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • I-Ad antigen
  • Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains
  • Ovalbumin