title: Development of a cell with dendritic morphology from a precursor of B lymphocyte lineage.
abstract: Cells developing dendritic morphology were detected in cultures of highly purified human B cells incubated with 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). After 72 hr of culture, 2 to 7% of the cells had assumed a dendritic shape provided that contact with a plastic or glass surface also occurred. Dendritic cells developed in cultures of B cells prepared by positively selecting cells that stained with the B cell-specific monoclonal antibody B1 with the fluorescence-activated cell sorter. By contrast, dendritic cells could not be detected in cultures of cells obtained from patients with Bruton's type agammaglobulinemia that lacked B cells. Cells with dendritic morphology were nonspecific esterase negative and not phagocytic. They expressed HLA-DR, DQ, and DP antigens, receptors for interleukin 2 and transferrin, and were stained by B1 and 60.3, an antibody that identifies the beta-chain common to lymphocyte function associated antigen-1, complement receptor 3, and the p150,95 antigen, but not by monoclonal antibodies to monocytes, complement receptors 2 or 3, NK cells, T cells, or Langerhans' cells. Formation of dendritic cells was inhibited by microtubule poisons (vinblastine, colchicine), a microfilament inhibitor (cytochalasin B), and the 60.3 monoclonal antibody, but not by inhibition of DNA synthesis. These data indicate that a subset of B cells is capable of assuming dendritic morphology after stimulation with phorbol esters and attachment to a surface. These dendritic cells exhibit characteristics that are quite similar to the interdigitating cells found in T cell-dependent areas of lymph nodes.
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D006918:Hydroxyurea / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D016169:Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D016169:Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; D006918:Hydroxyurea