title: T cell-independent antigens type 2.
abstract: In this review we have attempted to define the characteristics of TI-2 antigens that enable them to stimulate antibody production in the absence of T cell help. One of the most critical properties of this group of antigens is their ability to deliver prolonged and persistent signaling to the B cell. This by itself is not however sufficient to stimulate Ig synthesis, and they must therefore stimulate non-T cells to interact with the B cells either directly or indirectly via cytokine production. There is evidence implicating the NK cell and T cell as playing this important role in response to TI antigens. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of cytokines such as IL-3, GMCSF, and IFN-gamma, which significantly enhance antibody production by these antigens. Finally, we present evidence demonstrating that B cell activation via TI stimuli does not play merely a permissive role in allowing for cell cycle entry and enhanced responsiveness to other stimuli. Rather, the nature of the B cell activating signal is critical in determining the quantitative and qualitative profile of Ig isotype production.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4799, USA.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Mond
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lees
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Snapper
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D000955:Antigens, T-Independent; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007132:Immunoglobulin Isotypes / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D008954:Models, Biological; D015398:Signal Transduction; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000955:Antigens, T-Independent; D016207:Cytokines; D007132:Immunoglobulin Isotypes; D003165:Complement System Proteins