title: B cell-derived BCGF functions as autocrine growth factor(s) in normal and transformed B lymphocytes.
abstract: This paper demonstrates that B cell lines, as well as normal activated B cells generate and respond to B cell-specific growth factor(s) (BCGF). BCGF derived from B cells (B-BCGF) appears to be distinct from interleukin 1, interleukin 2 (IL 2), B cell stimulatory factor, BCGF-II, interferon-gamma, or transforming growth factor. It acts on activated B cells, but not on resting G0 phase B cells to induce proliferation. B cell lines, immortalized by Epstein-Barr virus, constitutively secrete 10-fold higher level of B-BCGF compared with normal activated B cells, suggesting that an activated autocrine loop might be operating in immortalized B cells. On the basis of our observations, we postulate that B cell clonal expansion may occur, at least in part, through a B-BCGF-dependent autocrine pathway similar to IL 2 effect on T cells.
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002455:Cell Division; D002460:Cell Line; D005260:Female; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007399:Interphase; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D006133:Growth Substances; D008222:Lymphokines; D015847:Interleukin-4