PMID: 6172373Dec 1, 1981Paper

An alpha2-macroglobulin associated factor produced by T lymphocytes which provides polyclonal stimulation of B lymphocytes to maintain the turnover of their surface Ig

Immunology
J L ChangM Teodorescu

Abstract

The supernatant of 'crowded' but not 'spread' rabbit spleen cell cultures contains a macroglobulin factor which behaves in an Ig-turnover assay as any T-independent antigen or polyclonal B-cell activator (PBA). In the supernatants of crowded rabbit lymphoid cell cultures prepared in serum free medium, the factor was found to be associated entirely with the alpha-macroglobulin (alpha M) fraction (alpha 1 + alpha 2). This alpha M was most probably actively secreted by the lymphocytes because: (i) sequential supernatants obtained in serum free medium of crowded cultures contained equal amounts of alpha M as well as equal PBA activity; (ii) the alpha M became labelled when the cells were grown in medium containing a radioactive amino acid. Macrophages were not required for the production of PBA. PBA was not produced when either crowded B or T cells were cultured alone but only when they were cultured together. Purified T cells were not triggered by any plant lectin to produce PBA. By use of anti-alpha 2M allotype antibodies and B and T cells from different rabbits, the PBA was shown to have the allotype of the T-cell donor. The PBA was associated with rabbit alpha 2M but not alpha 1M. We concluded that upon close contact, B cells s...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.