Abstract
Reductions in populations of both Pre-B cell (Hardy fractions D) and Pro-B cells (Hardy fractions B-C) have been described in association with murine lupus. Recent studies of B cell populations, based on evaluation of B cell differentiation markers, now allow the enumeration and enrichment of other stage specific precursor cells. In this study we report detailed analysis of the ontogeny of B cell lineage subsets in New Zealand black (NZB) and control strains of mice. Our data suggest that B cell development in NZB mice is partially arrested at the fraction A Pre-Pro B cell stage. This arrest at the Pre-Pro B cell stage is secondary to prolonged lifespan and greater resistance to spontaneous apoptosis. In addition, expression of the gene encoding the critical B cell development transcription factor BSAP is reduced in the Pre-Pro B cell stage in NZB mice. This impairment may influence subsequent B cell development to later stages, and thereby accounts for the down-regulation of the B cell receptor component Igα (mb-1). Furthermore, levels of expression of the Rug2, λ5 and Igβ (B 29) genes are also reduced in Pre-Pro B cells of NZB mice. The decreased frequency of precursor B cells in the Pre-Pro B cell population occurs at the most primitive stage of B cell differentiation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 35-45 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Developmental Immunology |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2002 |
Keywords
- Autoimmunity
- B Lymphocytes
- Lupus
- New Zealand black mice
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology