title: Enhancement of terminal B lymphocyte differentiation in vitro by fibroblast-like stromal cells from human spleen.
abstract: Stromal elements are major components of lymphoid tissues contributing to both tissue architecture and function. In this study we report on the phenotype and function of fibroblast-like stromal cells obtained from human spleen. These cells express high levels of CD44 and ICAM-1 and moderate levels of VLA-4, VCAM, CD40 and CD21. They fail to express endothelial, epithelial, lymphocyte and monocyte/macrophage markers. We show that these cells interact with B cell blasts induced in vitro by anti-CD40 and anti-mu stimulation. As a result of these interactions both IL-6 and IgG secretion into culture medium is increased. The enhanced secretion of IgG is partly inhibited by abolishing B cell blaststromal cell contact or by anti-IL-6, anti-VCAM or anti-CD49d antibodies. Our studies also suggest that the ability of stromal cells to promote B cell survival is most likely the underlying mechanism of the enhanced immunoglobulin secretion. Comparison of stromal cells from different lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs revealed that bone marrow- and spleen-derived stromal cells are the most effective in promoting B cell blast differentiation.
authors.affiliation: Lister Research Laboratories, University Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, GB. G.Skibinski@ed.ac.uk
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Skibinski
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Skibinska
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: James
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology