title: In-vitro models of B-lineage commitment.
abstract: The development of mature B lymphocytes from multipotent progenitors follows a pathway of differentiation marked by a progressive restriction in lineage options. The requirements for progression through the B lineage developmental pathway have been investigated intensively and a number of critical components of the differentiation process have been identified. However, the genetic basis for lineage determination remains unresolved. Recently, a number of in-vitro assays have been established which support the development of committed B cell progenitors from multipotent cells. These assays have provided a novel system in which the process of B lineage commitment can be followed and manipulated. In this review we present a model of B-lineage progression from multipotent progenitors to committed B-cell progenitors and discuss potential mediators of the commitment process.
authors.affiliation: Wellesley Hospital Research Institute, University of Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Kee
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Paige
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000276:immunology*; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D018448:Models, Immunological