Both naive and memory T cells can provide help for human IgE production, but with different cytokine requirements.
Most in vitro systems for the induction of IgE production by human B cells require both IL-4 and the presence of T cells. Little is known about the mechanism of T cell help or the ability of different T cell subsets to provide this helper activity. In the present study we demonstrate that, in the presence of exogenous IL-4, anti-CD3 stimulated naive T cells (CD4+CD45RA+) are potent helper cells for human IgE production. In their presence, as little as 750 autologous B cells can produce up to 100 ng/ml IgE. This response was found over a broad range of anti-CD3 concentrations. IgE helper activity by naive T cells was inhibited by IL-2. Under all conditions tested, naive T cells were unable to provide help for IgM production. This is in contrast to activated memory T cells (CD4+CD45RO+), which are very efficient helper cells for IgM or IgE production, provided that IL-2 or IL-2 plus IL-4 are present respectively.
van Kooten
C
C
Central Laboratory of the Netherlands Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Amsterdam.
van der Pouw Kraan
T
T
Rensink
I
I
van Oers
R
R
Aarden
L
L
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015703:Antigens, CD; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D017252:CD3 Complex; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016207:Cytokines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007156:Immunologic Memory; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000494:pharmacology; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000494:pharmacology; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015703:Antigens, CD; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D017252:CD3 Complex; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016207:Cytokines; D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007376:Interleukin-2; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens