title: Development and characterization of a human B cell line that responds to B cell growth factor but not interleukin 2.
abstract: The human lymphoblastoid cell line we present here proliferated in response to a 14,000 m.w. B cell growth factor (BCGF), and not to interleukin 2 (IL 2). This cell line, designated B-A3, was established by Epstein Barr virus (EBV) transformation of Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I (SAC)-activated spleen B cells, and has been maintained in RPMI 1640 medium complemented with 15% fetal calf serum (FCS) without the addition of other exogenous growth factors. A proliferative response, as measured by [3H]thymidine uptake of B-A3 cells was significantly induced by either commercial IL 2-free human BCGF preparations, or phytohemagglutinin-stimulated mixed lymphocyte culture supernatant at all FCS concentrations used in the assay. The most marked proliferation due to BCGF, however, was observed in the absence of FCS. This BCGF-induced proliferation was not influenced by IL 2 or interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), because both recombinant IL 2 and IFN-gamma failed to induce proliferation. The response of B-A3 cells to a specific BCGF was additionally indicated by the responsiveness of this cell line to BCGF purified by a series of chromatographic steps. The BCGF to which B-A3 cells responded had a m.w. of 14,000 and was similar to low m.w. BCGF reported from other laboratories. Surface characterization of B-A3 cells, analyzed by flow cytometry with a panel of monoclonal antibodies, demonstrated that the majority of B-A3 cells were stained positively with Leu-12, HLA-DR, and surface IgG markers, whereas staining with surface IgM, IgD markers, pan T cell markers (Leu-4 and Leu-9), and IL 2 receptor (Tac) were consistently negative. Taken together, the human lymphoblastoid cell line we present here responded specifically to a low m.w. BCGF. This cell line may be of value in the purification of BCGF to homogeneity, in studies of the interactions of BCGF with human B cells, and in the identification of the BCGF receptor.
mesh_terms: D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002460:Cell Line; D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000378:metabolism; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015847:Interleukin-4; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010641:Phenotype; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D000954:Antigens, Surface; D006133:Growth Substances; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007376:Interleukin-2; D008222:Lymphokines; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007371:Interferon-gamma