B cells are dispensable for neonatal transplant tolerance induction.
BACKGROUND
Prior studies have demonstrated that neonatal B cells possess unique immunoregulatory properties. Specifically, neonatal B-1 cells produce interleukin (IL)-10 in response to toll-like receptor stimulation; this modulates innate and adaptive alloimmune responses. Here, we examine whether this process plays a critical role in neonatal transplant tolerance induction.


METHODS
We used a murine model of neonatal transplant tolerance induction, whereby female C57BL/6 mice injected with male spleen cells 3 days after birth acquire the ability to accept a male skin transplant in adulthood.


RESULTS
We investigated the role of B cells in this model by using mice with targeted genetic B-cell deficiencies (including muMT, JH-/-, and XID mice). In addition, we examined the role of IL-10 in this model using IL-10-/- mice. Transplant tolerance induction was neither dependent on B cells nor on IL-10.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the role of neonatal B cells in suppressing innate and adaptive alloimmune responses, B cells are dispensable for neonatal transplant tolerance induction in this experimental model.
Walker
Wendy E
WE
Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
Goldstein
Daniel R
DR
D000199:Actins / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000172:deficiency; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D010047:Ovalbumin / Q000235:genetics; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D023001:Transplantation Tolerance / Q000276:immunology
D000199:Actins; D016753:Interleukin-10; D010047:Ovalbumin