[Studies on subset, location and secretion of natural keratin-reactive B cells].
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the subsets and location of B cells responsible for the production of natural anti-keratin autoantibody (AK auto Ab), and analyze the function of each subset.


METHODS
Cells isolated from spleen and peritoneal cavity of C57BL/6 mice were cultured in vitro. FACS was employed to detect keratin reactive B cell subsets. The anti-keratin IgM level in supernatant was analyzed by ELISA, while ELISPOT was utilized to detect the B cells which can secrete AK auto Ab.


RESULTS
Keratin reactive B cells were mainly marginal zone B cells in spleen, while they were mainly B-1a cells in peritoneal cavity. There were more B cells producing AK auto Ab in peritoneal cavity than in spleen. The anti-keratin IgM level in the supernatant of cultured peritoneal cells was much higher than that of splenocytes.


CONCLUSIONS
There are three subsets of keratin-reactive B cells: B-1 B cells, follicular B cells and marginal zone B cells. B-1 B cells are active in secreting AK auto Ab.
Xing
Ying
Y
Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China. xyshadowxy@yahoo.com.cn
Li
Wei
W
Fu
Meng
M
Han
Hua
H
Wang
Gang
G
Liu
Yu-feng
YF
D000818:Animals; D016175:B-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D007633:Keratins / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL
D007633:Keratins