Osteoprotegerin, a crucial regulator of bone metabolism, also regulates B cell development and function

TJ Yun, MD Tallquist, A Aicher, KL Rafferty… - The Journal of …, 2001 - journals.aai.org
TJ Yun, MD Tallquist, A Aicher, KL Rafferty, AJ Marshall, JJ Moon, MK Ewings, M Mohaupt…
The Journal of Immunology, 2001journals.aai.org
Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a CD40-regulated gene in B cells and dendritic cells (DCs). We
investigated the role of OPG in the immune system by generating opg−/− mice. Like its role
as a regulator of bone metabolism, OPG also influences processes in the immune system,
notably in B cell development. Ex vivo, opg−/− pro-B cells have enhanced proliferation to IL-
7, and in opg−/− spleen, there is an accumulation of type 1 transitional B cells. Furthermore,
opg−/− bone marrow-derived DCs are more effective in stimulating allogeneic T cells than …
Abstract
Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a CD40-regulated gene in B cells and dendritic cells (DCs). We investigated the role of OPG in the immune system by generating opg−/− mice. Like its role as a regulator of bone metabolism, OPG also influences processes in the immune system, notably in B cell development. Ex vivo, opg−/− pro-B cells have enhanced proliferation to IL-7, and in opg−/− spleen, there is an accumulation of type 1 transitional B cells. Furthermore, opg−/− bone marrow-derived DCs are more effective in stimulating allogeneic T cells than control DCs. When challenged with a T-dependent Ag, opg−/− mice had a compromised ability to sustain an IgG3 Ag-specific response. Thus, in the immune system, OPG regulates B cell maturation and development of efficient Ab responses.
journals.aai.org