Identification of a T cell-derived b cell growth factor distinct from interleukin 2.
We report here a factor (B cell growth factor) found in induced supernatants of the mouse thymoma EL4 that co-stimulates with anti-IgM antibodies in short-term cultures of purified B lymphocytes to induce polyclonal B cell proliferation but not antibody-forming cell production. The factor is not mitogenic for resting B cells and interacts with anti-IgM-activated B cells in a non-H-2-restricted manner. Absorption studies and molecular weight analysis reveal the factor is distinct from interleukin 2. This factor synergises with antigen, interleukin 2, and an interleukin 2-free, B cell growth factor-free T cell supernatant that contains T cell-replacing factor to produce erythrocyte-specific plaque-forming cells in cultures of highly purified B cells.
D000818:Animals; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / Q000276:immunology; D000921:Antibody-Producing Cells / Q000166:cytology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000276:immunology; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008970:Molecular Weight
D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007376:Interleukin-2; D008222:Lymphokines