The role of T/B cell interactions and cytokines in the regulation of human IgE synthesis.
Induction of immunoglobulin (Ig) isotype switching and isotype production by human B cells requires contact-mediated signals delivered by T helper cells in combination with cytokines. Effective T cell help requires T cell activation resulting in a rapid expression of T cell membrane proteins, which interact with ligands constitutively expressed on B cells. These interactions lead to B cell activation, proliferation and, in the presence of cytokines, to isotype switching and immunoglobulin synthesis. The nature of the T cell antigens involved in these T/B cell interactions, and their role in human B cell activation resulting in IgE synthesis in the presence of IL-4 and IL-13, will be discussed.
de Vries
J E
JE
Human Immunology Department, DNAX Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1104.
Punnonen
J
J
Cocks
B G
BG
Aversa
G
G
D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000502:physiology; D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte / Q000502:physiology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D019013:CD40 Antigens; D023201:CD40 Ligand; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000502:physiology; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000502:physiology*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte; D019013:CD40 Antigens; D016207:Cytokines; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D023201:CD40 Ligand; D007073:Immunoglobulin E