Reciprocal regulation of polarized cytokine production by effector B and T cells

DP Harris, L Haynes, PC Sayles, DK Duso… - Nature …, 2000 - nature.com
DP Harris, L Haynes, PC Sayles, DK Duso, SM Eaton, NM Lepak, LL Johnson, SL Swain
Nature immunology, 2000nature.com
Although B cells produce cytokines it is not known whether B cells can differentiate into
effector subsets that secrete polarized arrays of cytokines. We have identified two
populations of “effector” B cells (Be1 and Be2) that produce distinct patterns of cytokines
depending on the cytokine environment in which the cells were stimulated during their
primary encounter with antigen and T cells. These effector B cell subsets subsequently
regulate the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells to TH 1 and TH 2 cells through production …
Abstract
Although B cells produce cytokines it is not known whether B cells can differentiate into effector subsets that secrete polarized arrays of cytokines. We have identified two populations of “effector” B cells (Be1 and Be2) that produce distinct patterns of cytokines depending on the cytokine environment in which the cells were stimulated during their primary encounter with antigen and T cells. These effector B cell subsets subsequently regulate the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells to T H 1 and T H 2 cells through production of polarizing cytokines such as interleukin 4 and interferon γ. In addition, Be1 and Be2 cells could be identified in animals that were infected with pathogens that preferentially induce a Type 1 or Type 2 immune response. Together these results suggest that, in addition to their well defined role in antibody production, B cells may regulate immune responses to infectious pathogens through their production of cytokines.
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