title: Direct polyclonal activation of human B lymphocytes by the acquired immune deficiency syndrome virus.
abstract: When B lymphocytes from normal human peripheral blood were incubated for 1 hour with the retrovirus that causes the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), the B cells showed marked proliferation and differentiation. Proliferative responses to the virus peaked on day 4 and appeared to be independent of accessory cells. This finding was repeated with three separate viral isolates, one of which was from a patient from Zaire. The magnitude of the observed responses was comparable to that seen with standard polyclonal B-cell activators. This phenomenon may be at least partially responsible for the polyclonal B-cell activation seen in patients with AIDS.
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D017977:Deltaretrovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000378:metabolism; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D007136:Immunoglobulins; D011991:Receptors, Virus