title: Follicular dendritic cell-signaling molecules required for proliferation and differentiation of GC-B cells.
abstract: To study the functional role of follicular dendritic cells (FDC) in germinal center (GC)-B cell differentiation, we have established an in vitro experimental model that mimics GC-reactions in vivo. Using this culture system, we have characterized the distinct function of FDC from activated T cells. The primary function of FDC is to prevent apoptosis and support proliferation of GC-B cells, whereas activated T cells induce the differentiation of GC-B cells by providing CD40L and cytokines. Furthermore, we have identified two FDC-signaling molecules that mediate proliferation of GC-B cells in vitro and in vivo.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA.
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yong Sung
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Choi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D002455:Cell Division / Q000276:immunology; D018925:Chemokines / Q000378:metabolism; D020566:Dendritic Cells, Follicular / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018858:Germinal Center / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte; D018925:Chemokines