B cell progenitors have different growth requirements before and after immunoglobulin heavy chain commitment.
Using the clonable pre-B cell assay, we have identified B cell progenitors that are not yet committed to the production of a particular H chain allele. These cells represent approximately 10-20% of clonable pre-B cells found in 15-d fetal liver. The clonable pre-B cell assay provides an environment adequate for the expansion and differentiation of these cells into mature, Ig-secreting, cells. Using the same methodology, we have also identified progenitors that are uncommitted to the production of a particular L chain isotype. Moreover, investigating the growth requirements for clonable pre-B cells has led to the discovery of selective growth conditions that distinguish cells before and after commitment to H chain allotype.
D000483:Alleles; D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002455:Cell Division; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / Q000235:genetics*; D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice
D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains; D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains