Rapid induction of transcription of unrearranged S gamma 1 switch regions in activated murine B cells by interleukin 4.
The distribution of immunoglobulin isotypes in activated B lymphocytes can be modulated by interleukin 4 (IL4), which enhances IgG1 and suppresses IgG3. We show here that IL4 induces transcription of the region 5' adjacent to the s gamma 1 switch region within hours after onset of activation of B cells by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Transcripts of 1.7 and 3.2 kb size containing sequences of the region 5' of s gamma 1 are detected. This transcription precedes class switch recombination between s mu and s gamma 1 and reflects the rapid opening of the s gamma 1 region as induced by IL4. This suggests that IL4 directs class switching to IgG1 by opening the s gamma 1 switch region, thus making it accessible for switch recombination.
Esser
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C
Institut für Genetik der Universität zu Köln, FRG.
Radbruch
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A
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005803:Genes, Immunoglobulin / Q000187:drug effects*; D005809:Genes, Regulator / Q000187:drug effects*; D005812:Genes, Switch / Q000187:drug effects*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007378:Interleukins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007378:Interleukins; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D015847:Interleukin-4