Different human B cell subsets respond to interleukin 2 and to a high molecular weight B cell growth factor (BCGF).
After activation by anti-mu antibody human B cells acquire the ability to proliferate in the presence of recombinant interleukin 2 (IL 2), a 20-kDa mol. mass B cell growth factor (BCGF) and a high mol. mass BCGF (50-kDa BCGF). An anti-IL 2 receptor (IL 2R) monoclonal antibody inhibits the IL 2-dependent proliferation without affecting that induced by BCGF. B cells expressing the IL 2R after anti-mu antibody activation (IL 2R+ cells) were separated from those not expressing IL 2R (IL 2R- cells). IL 2 stimulated the proliferation of only IL 2R+ cells whereas the 20-kDa BCGF acted on both IL 2R+ and IL 2R- cells. Importantly, the 50-kDa BCGF supported the proliferation of IL 2R- cells whereas it was inactive on IL 2R+ cells. Thus, the B cell subset responding to the 50-kDa BCGF after anti-mu antibody activation is distinct from that responding to IL 2.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2; D015847:Interleukin-4; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006133:Growth Substances; D007376:Interleukin-2; D008222:Lymphokines; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D015847:Interleukin-4