title: B cell growth and differentiation factors.
abstract: The role of T lymphocytes in regulation of B cell responsiveness has been recognized for over a decade. Early studies assigned part of this regulation to a soluble product, initially designated T cell-replacing factor or TRF. Recently, investigators have discovered a level of factor complexity skillfully camouflaged by this simple term. Accordingly, the concept has now matured to encompass a battery of antigen non-specific, genetically unrestricted soluble factors which govern all aspects of B cell immunity: activation, proliferation, and differentiation. Here, we review our developing knowledge of this area. While many questions remain unresolved, there seems cause for optimism and a hope that increased understanding of these factors and their mode of action will eventually reveal the basis of B cell immunoregulation.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / Q000276:immunology; D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002455:Cell Division; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000276:immunology*; D006825:Hybridomas / Q000276:immunology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000276:immunology; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000276:immunology; D015847:Interleukin-4; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008211:Lymphocyte Cooperation; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008954:Models, Biological; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D006133:Growth Substances; D007376:Interleukin-2; D008222:Lymphokines; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007371:Interferon-gamma