Regulation of human B lymphocyte responsiveness

Scand J Rheumatol Suppl. 1988:76:229-35. doi: 10.3109/03009748809102973.

Abstract

Regulation of human B cell responses is a complex process involving the activities of a variety of cells and cytokines. There are important differences between the regulation of human and murine B lymphocytes, especially with regard to the action of IL2 and IL4. In man, IL2 appears to play a central role in regulating B cell activation, proliferation and differentiation, whereas IL4 plays a regulatory role by inhibiting initial B cell activation. Above and beyond providing regulatory cytokines, activated human T cells can also directly stimulate B cell differentiation by a process that requires cellular contact. A better understanding of the nature of signal transduction during interactions between B cells and activated T cells and provided by the various cytokines should provide additional insight into the regulation of B cell function in man.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibody Formation
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Cell Communication
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Division
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins / metabolism
  • Interleukin-2 / physiology
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interleukins / physiology
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins
  • Interleukin-2
  • Interleukins
  • Interleukin-4