Human B cell growth factors overcome T cell-mediated inhibition of specific antibody production: a possible mechanism for the exacerbation of autoimmune disease.
Under normal circumstances, antigen-dependent antibody production in man requires autologous T cells, B cells and macrophages. If allogeneic T cells are substituted, then antibodies are not synthesized, due to the development of inhibitory interactions. Addition of B cell growth and differentiation factors changes this pattern of response, and allows antibodies to be produced even when allogeneic T cells are the source of help. There is evidence that such B cell growth factors are released during most normal immune responses: we suggest that their ability to allow B cells to escape from inhibitory interactions and secrete antibodies, may underlie the observed exacerbation of certain autoimmune diseases by intercurrent infection.
D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000187:drug effects*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015847:Interleukin-4; D008211:Lymphocyte Cooperation / Q000187:drug effects; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D006133:Growth Substances; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D015847:Interleukin-4