Keeping track of pro-B cells: a new model for the effects of IL-7 during B cell development.
Trophic and instructive models have been invoked to explain how various cytokines influence the survival, proliferation and differentiation of lymphoid progenitors. There is evidence that IL-7 can act in either a trophic or an instructive manner during B and T cell development although its roles in B cell development in the fetus versus the adult mouse and in the mouse versus the human may vary. Here we outline the stages of B cell development and the conventional model of the role of IL-7 in the transitions from pro-B cells to pre-B cells and then to immature B cells. We also discuss the implications of recent data that have led to a new model for this process.
Monroe
John G
JG
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. monroej@mail.med.upenn.edu
Allman
David
D
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D042381:Granulocyte Precursor Cells; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development; D015851:Interleukin-7 / Q000276:immunology*; D018448:Models, Immunological
D015851:Interleukin-7