Recombinant interleukin 2 induces proliferation and differentiation of human B lymphocytes.
Highly purified normal human tonsillar B lymphocytes were cultured with recombinant IL 2 (rIL 2). The responses were minimal when the cells were cultured with rIL 2 alone. Dose-dependent proliferation and differentiation into immunoglobulin-secreting cells were found when the cells were simultaneously activated with Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I (SAC). T cells were not found to proliferate in these cultures. B-cell responses were not augmented when 16% T cells were added to the B-cell population. In contrast, B-cell proliferation and Ig secretion were significantly enhanced by adding 0.5% T cells when cultured in the presence of pokeweed mitogen (PWM). Moreover, B-cell stimulation by rIL 2 was detected at very low cell densities. It is concluded that IL 2 directly affects the function of activated B cells.
D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D007376:Interleukin-2; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens