In:
The Journal of Immunology, The American Association of Immunologists, Vol. 181, No. 5 ( 2008-09-01), p. 3665-3673
Abstract:
The role of specific CD4+ T cell subsets in the induction of humoral immune responses in humans is largely unknown. In this study, the generation of hepatitis B surface Ag-specific CD4+ T lymphocytes following vaccination was closely monitored and characterized at the single-cell level. The appearance and absolute numbers of hepatitis B surface Ag-specific IL-2 producing effector memory CD4+ T lymphocytes was solely and tightly related to Ab titers reached. This relation remained present many years after vaccination. Subsequently, a relation was found between Ab titers and number of IL-2 producing memory CD4+ T lymphocytes for various other Ags. These observations matched the findings of an in vitro assay, using different T cell subsets to induce B cell differentiation into IgG-producing plasma cells. By depleting for IL-2 producing memory T cells, we demonstrated that these cells are important for B cell differentiation into IgG-producing plasma cells. Finally, blocking the action of IL-2 with an IL-2R-α Ab inhibited the differentiation of B lymphocytes into IgG-producing plasma cells. Based on these findings, we conclude that the development of Ag-specific IL-2-producing memory T cells appears to be essential for the development of IgG-secreting plasma cells in humans.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0022-1767
,
1550-6606
DOI:
10.4049/jimmunol.181.5.3665
Language:
English
Publisher:
The American Association of Immunologists
Publication Date:
2008
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1475085-5
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