CD137 promotes proliferation and survival of human B cells.
CD137 (4-1BB)-mediated costimulation plays an important role in directing the fate of Ag-stimulated T cells and NK cells, yet the role of CD137 in mediating B cell function is unknown. We found that CD137 is expressed in vitro on anti-Ig-stimulated peripheral blood B cells and in vivo on tonsillar B cells with an activated phenotype. In vitro CD137 expression is enhanced by CD40 stimulation and IFN-gamma and is inhibited by IL-4, -10, and -21. The expression of CD137 on activated human B cells is functionally relevant because engagement with its ligand at the time of activation stimulates B cell proliferation, enhances B cell survival, and induces secretion of TNF-alpha and -beta. Our study suggests that CD137 costimulation may play a role in defining the fate of Ag-stimulated human B cells.
Zhang
Xiaoyu
X
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. xzhang@smail.umaryland.edu
Voskens
Caroline J
CJ
Sallin
Michelle
M
Maniar
Amudhan
A
Montes
Carolina L
CL
Zhang
Yue
Y
Lin
Wei
W
Li
Guoyan
G
Burch
Erin
E
Tan
Ming
M
Hertzano
Ronna
R
Chapoval
Andrei I
AI
Tamada
Koji
K
Gastman
Brian R
BR
Schulze
Dan H
DH
Strome
Scott E
SE
D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D001773:Blood Cells; D019013:CD40 Antigens; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002470:Cell Survival; D006801:Humans; D007378:Interleukins; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008233:Lymphotoxin-alpha / Q000378:metabolism; D053261:Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9 / Q000819:agonists / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism
D000941:Antigens; D019013:CD40 Antigens; D007378:Interleukins; D008233:Lymphotoxin-alpha; D053261:Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha