The proportion of B-cell subsets expressing kappa and lambda light chains changes following antigenic selection.
Using a mixture of 'top-down' theory and 'bottom-up' extrapolation from experimental observation, Rodney Langman and Melvin Cohn discuss some of the conflicting points of view regarding the ratio of kappa (kappa)- to lambda (lambda)-expressing B cells. Despite the somewhat arcane nature of the subject, the authors make a strong general case for the use of computer simulations as a means of reconciling top-down generalizations with quantitative bottom-up extrapolations. With the appearance of two recent papers, the authors show how the top-down theory prevailed in a resolution of the controversy.
Langman
R E
RE
Conceptual Immunology Group, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego, CA 92186-5800.
Cohn
M
M
D000818:Animals; D016175:B-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*; D015328:Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Light Chain / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007145:Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains / Q000276:immunology*; D007146:Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology
D007145:Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains; D007146:Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains