title: Human B-cell differentiation factor defined by an anti-peptide antibody and its possible role in autoantibody production.
abstract: The partial amino acid sequence of the NH2 terminus of a factor named human B-cell differentiation factor or B-cell stimulatory factor 2 (BSF-2) has been determined. Antibodies raised against the synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 1-13 of the NH2-terminal sequence specifically react with BSF-2 generated by a T-cell line and by phytohemagglutinin-stimulated normal T cells. Furthermore, the antipeptide antibodies react with a BSF-2-like factor produced by cardiac myxoma as well as uterine cervical carcinoma cells. The results show that BSF-2 functions in vivo as well and suggest that the constitutive production of BSF-2 may be involved in autoantibody production, since patients with cardiac myxoma and uterine carcinoma showed autoantibody production.
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000906:Antibodies; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002460:Cell Line; D002846:Chromatography, Affinity; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007106:Immune Sera; D015847:Interleukin-4; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000302:isolation & purification*
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D001323:Autoantibodies; D006133:Growth Substances; D007106:Immune Sera; D008222:Lymphokines; D015847:Interleukin-4