title: Identification and characterization of a B cell activation factor (BCAF) produced by a human T cell line.
abstract: A human T cell line, Peer, that expresses the T cell helper phenotype produces discrete activation and growth factors for tonsillar B cells. The B cell activation factor produced by Peer is biochemically and physiologically distinct from other lymphokines known to enhance B cell proliferation, namely, interleukin 1, interleukin 2, interferon, and previously characterized B cell growth factors (BCGF). The BCGF produced by Peer is functionally similar to previously described BCGF but has a m.w. of approximately 30,000 daltons. The identification and characterization of a T cell-derived activation factor that can induce apparently resting (Go phase) B cells to enter S phase in the absence of an exogenous first signal has important implications in the additional dissection of the complex steps in the human B cell cycle.
mesh_terms: D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D002453:Cell Cycle; D002460:Cell Line; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D015847:Interleukin-4; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000378:metabolism; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000166:cytology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D014357:Trypsin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D006023:Glycoproteins; D006133:Growth Substances; D008222:Lymphokines; D015847:Interleukin-4; D009439:Neuraminidase; D014357:Trypsin