SummaryT cell-independent type 2 (TI-2), in contrast to T-dependent, antigens stimulate the production of murine IgG3. To investigate a possible role for cytokines in mediating the induction of this IgG subclass, we established an in vitro polyclonal model system for studying TI-2 antigen-mediated B cell activation by using dextran-conjugated anti-IgD antibody (o~6-dex). We demonstrate that interferon "r (IFN-7) stimulates, and interleukin 4 inhibits, the expression of IgG3 by c~&dex-activated cells. The production of IFN-'r by non-T cells in response to bacterial products, possibly capsular polysaccharides, may provide an explanation underlying the ability of TI antigens, which are unable to directly stimulate T cell-derived cytokines to induce Ig isotype switching.ttle is known regarding the parameters that regulate the humoral immune response to T cell-independent type 2 (TI-2) I antigens. Such antigens, exemplified by the haptenated polysaccharides, are typically abundant in bacterial cell walls. Immunization of mice with this class of antigen, in contrast to T cell-dependent antigens, stimulates a significant increase in serum levels of antigen-specific IgG3 (1). Since Ig class switching is widely viewed as a process that is regulated by the release of T cell-derived cytokines, the ability of TI-2 antigens to stimulate IgG3 production is especially intriguing. In this regard, it is of interest that no cytokine has been described that regulates its synthesis in a selective and positive manner.The study of B cell responses to TI-2 antigens has been hampered by the low frequency of B cells specific for a given immunizing antigen. We recently described a model system in which resting murine mlgD + B cells are polyclonally activated in vitro in a manner similar to the specific antibody response mediated by the prototypical TI-2 antigen, TNPFicoll (2, 3). Thus, like TNP-Ficoll, multiple anti-IgD mAb molecules covalently linked to a high molecular weight dextran backbone induce resting B cells to proliferate in the absence of significant Ig production. The addition of a differentiation factor, such as IL-5, stimulates the secretion of large amounts of polyclonal Ig by dextran-conjugated anti-IgD an-1 Abbreviations used in this paper: o~-dex, dextran-conjugated anti-IgD antibody; TI-2, T cell-independent type 2.

No abstract

No abstract

A role for IL-10 in regulating Ig isotype switching directly at the level of the murine B cell has not been previously reported. In this report we show that IL-10 selectively up-regulated IgM to IgG3 class switching in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated cultures through a direct effect on membrane (m) IgM+IgG3(-)B cells in vitro. IL-10 stimulated a 3- to 4-fold enhancement (from 6-8 to 20-30%) in membrane mIgG3(+) cells and a significant increase in Smu-Sgamma3 DNA rearrangement events as measured by digestion-circularization PCR (DC-PCR) over that observed with LPS alone. IL-10 induction of switching to IgG3 was not accompanied by a corresponding increase in the steady-state levels of germline CHgamma3 RNA. By contrast, IL-10 strongly inhibited the transforming growth factor-beta-mediated generation of mIgA+ cells and Smu-Salpha DNA rearrangement events in LPS-, but not CD40 ligand (CD40L)-activated B cells. This effect was not accompanied by changes in the steady-state levels of germline CHalpha RNA. IL-10 had no effect on IL-4-mediated switching to either IgG1 or IgE in either LPS- or CD40L-activated B cells. Thus, IL-10 can either enhance or suppress switching to particular murine Ig isotypes but it differs from most other murine cytokines in that its effects on switching do not appear to be associated with changes in the corresponding steady-state levels of germline CH RNA.

Dengue infection is associated to vigorous inflammatory response, to a high frequency of activated B cells, and to increased levels of circulating cross-reactive antibodies. We investigated whether direct infection of B cells would promote activation by culturing primary human B lymphocytes from healthy donors with DENV in vitro. B cells were susceptible, but poorly permissive to infection. Even though, primary B cells cultured with DENV induced substantial IgM secretion, which is a hallmark of polyclonal B cell activation. Notably, DENV induced the activation of B cells obtained from either DENV immune or DENV naïve donors, suggesting that it was not dependent on DENV-specific secondary/memory response. B cell stimulation was dependent on activation of MAPK and CD81. B cells cultured with DENV also secreted IL-6 and presented increased expression of CD86 and HLA-DR, which might contribute to B lymphocyte co-stimulatory function. Indeed, PBMCs, but not isolated B cells, secreted high amounts of IgG upon DENV culture, suggesting that interaction with other cell types in vivo might promote Ig isotype switching and IgG secretion from different B cell clones. These findings suggest that activation signaling pathways triggered by DENV interaction with non-specific receptors on B cells might contribute to the exacerbated response observed in dengue patients.

No abstract

No abstract

Ampelozizyphus amazonicus is used in the treatment and prevention of malaria. The effect of an aqueous extract from this plant (SART) on the immune response was investigated by measuring immunoglobulin production induced by immunization with the antigen TNP-Ficoll in Plasmodium chabaudi-infected mice. SART treatment increased antigen-specific IgM and IgG levels in TNP-Ficoll-immunized mice. The B cell response during malarial infection was also modified by SART. There was an increase in total serum IgM and IgG and a decrease in the percentage of splenic plasma cells (CD138+ cells) in P. chabaudi-infected, SART-treated animals. SART (1, 3 or 10 mg/kg, p.o.) and the reference drug dexamethasone (5 mg/kg) were also tested in carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration to the subcutaneous air pouch (SAP). All SART doses significantly reduced leukocyte migration into the SAP. The protein concentration resulting from extravasation into the peritoneum was also significantly reduced. Our data indicate that SART possesses immunomodulatory properties, inducing an in vivo modification of the B lymphocyte response and anti-inflammatory properties, which are partly due to a reduction in cell migration and are most likely due to an inhibition of the production of inflammatory mediators. Preliminary HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of SART shows a complex saponin profile with deprotonated molecule [M-H]− ions in the range of m/z 800–1000.