Human CD5+ B lymphocytes (B-1 cells) decrease in peripheral blood during pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a unique immunologic state where a natural homeostasis exists between antigenically different tissues. Several earlier studies have addressed the fluctuations in the number and/or function of lymphocytes, including B cells during pregnancy, but changes within the subsets of B lymphocytes, conventional (CD5-) and B-1 (CD5+), have not been addressed. Here we demonstrate that the frequency of B-1 cells decreases dramatically during pregnancy, whereas the frequency of conventional B cells remains relatively constant. The missing B-1 cells return to pre-pregnancy levels 8-10 weeks after parturition. The polyreactive autoantibodies secreted by B-1 cells have been implicated in autoimmunity and immune regulation. The possible role of B-1 cells during pregnancy will be discussed in that context.
Bhat
N M
NM
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA.
Mithal
A
A
Bieber
M M
MM
Herzenberg
L A
LA
Teng
N N
NN
D000328:Adult; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D018956:CD5 Antigens; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000276:immunology*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D018956:CD5 Antigens