Development of B lymphocyte function in childhood.
The capacity of blood lymphocytes of children aged from birth to six years to produce immunoglobulins was studied in vitro at the cell level using a direct B lymphocyte activator (Epstein-Barr virus) or a T lymphocyte dependent B lymphocyte activator (pokeweed mitogen). Umbilical cord blood lymphocytes secreted IgM at adult levels after Epstein-Barr virus stimulation, while the ability to synthesize IgG and IgA increased up to the ages of 1 and 2 years, respectively, but not beyond this period. IgG3 production preceded that of the other IgG subclasses. The T lymphocyte dependent IgM synthesis was low at birth, but approached adult levels at two years of age. T cell dependent IgG and IgA secretion, however, remained reduced even up to 6 years of age.
Andersson
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D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003470:Culture Media; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007223:Infant; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology
D003470:Culture Media; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens