Antigenic phenotype and functional characterization of human tonsil B cells
N Gadol, MA Peacock and KA Ault
Becton Dickinson Immunocytometry Systems, Mountain View, CA 94043.
Human tonsil cells were labeled with anti-leu-16, a monoclonal antibody
(MoAb) that recognizes the CD20 antigen and that is specific for B cells.
Two populations of B cells were identified by flow cytometry on the basis
of antigen density. One labeled brightly with anti-Leu-16, and the other
labeled at a level comparable to blood B cells. These two populations were
characterized with a panel of MoAbs in two- and three- color flow
cytometric studies and appeared to correspond to germinal- center and
mantle-zone B cells. The pattern of staining of anti-Leu-16 on sections of
frozen tonsil supported this characterization. Anti-Leu- 16 labeled
germinal center cells more intensely than mantle zone cells and stained a
few scattered B cells in the interfollicular zone. The ability of each
Leu-16+ population to secrete IgG and IgM in response to mitogens was
measured in a particle immunofluorescence assay. Dim Leu-16+ B cells
(small, resting B cells and a subpopulation of preactivated cells) secreted
IgG and IgM in response to pokeweed mitogen (PWM) but only IgG in response
to B cell growth factor (BCGF). Bright Leu-16+ B cells (small to large
activated cells and possibly memory cells) did not respond to PWM but
secreted IgG in response to BCGF. The functional responses of dim Leu-16+
and bright Leu-16+ B cells were consistent with their identification as
mantle-zone and germinal-center B cells. Phenotypic identification and
functional studies of mantle-zone and germinal-center B cells may help
clarify the differentiation pathway within the germinal center.
Volume 71,
Issue 4,
pp. 1048-1055,
04/01/1988
Copyright © 1988 by The American Society of Hematology
