B‐1aand conventional B cells from autoimmune NZB. H‐2bm12mice exhibit similar functional characteristics in vivo

摘要

AbstractNZB. H‐2bm12mice develop an autoimmune syndrome characterized by the overproduction of anti‐DNA antibodies and the expansion of B‐1 B cells. Thus, these animals provide a useful model to examine the antigenic specificity, cross‐reactivity and functional capability of B‐l versus conventional lymphocytes. Neither the repertoire expressed byin vivoactivated Ly‐1+splenic lymphocytes, nor their cross‐reactivity, differed significantly from that of conventional splenic B cells. When Ly‐1+cells were culturedin vitroin the presence of lipopolysac‐charide plus interleukin‐4 or interferon γ, they underwent isotype switching at the same frequency as conventional B cells. Of interest, B‐l cells from the peritoneal cavity were significantly less likely to undergo isotype switching than those from the spleen. These findings indicate thatin vivoactivated B‐laand conventional B cells from mice with lupus manifest similar fu