Novel function of TNF cytokines in regulating bone marrow B cell survival.
Two newly identified tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family cytokines, B cell activation factor from the TNF family (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), have recently been shown to enhance the maturation and survival of peripheral B cells. However, whether BAFF and APRIL are expressed in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment and if these two cytokines modulate early B cell development remain unclear. In the present study, we have detected the abundant expression of BAFF and APRIL transcripts in BM non-lymphoid cells. Low levels of BAFF and APRIL mRNA are also found in developing B cells. Furthermore, we have determined the expression patterns of BAFF receptors during B lymphopoiesis. In cultures, both recombinant BAFF and APRIL significantly promote the survival of precursor B cells whereas only BAFF can suppress apoptosis of immature B cells. These findings suggest that BAFF and APRIL, in addition to their well established role in regulating peripheral B cell growth, can modulate the survival of developing B cells in the BM.
Zhang
Min
M
Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Ko
King Hung
KH
Lam
Queenie Lai Kwan
QL
Lo
Cherry Kam Chun
CK
Xu
Daniel Jia Lin
DJ
Shen
Lijun
L
Zheng
Bojian
B
Srivastava
Gopesh
G
Lu
Liwei
L
D000818:Animals; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; D053265:B-Cell Activation Factor Receptor; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002470:Cell Survival; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D008297:Male; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D053300:Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 13; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; D053265:B-Cell Activation Factor Receptor; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; C486662:Tnfrsf13c protein, mouse; C491959:Tnfsf13 protein, mouse; C505720:Tnfsf13b protein, mouse; D053300:Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 13; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha