Regulated expression of galectin-1 during B-cell activation and implications for T-cell apoptosis

J Leukoc Biol. 2001 Jul;70(1):73-9.

Abstract

Galectin-1 (GAL-1), a highly conserved beta-galactoside-binding protein, has shown immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we investigated the regulation of GAL-1 expression within the B-cell compartment using Trypanosoma cruzi infection as a natural model of in vivo B-cell activation. GAL-1 was found to be expressed on activated B cells from T. cruzi-infected mice, mainly localized at the cytosolic compartment. Expression of this protein was found to be modulated according to the activation state of the cells, revealing a significant increase in stimulated B cells that received signals via cross-linking of the B-cell receptor and CD40. It was found that GAL-1 was secreted by B cells to the extracellular milieu upon activation. Finally, purified GAL-1 produced by activated B cells induced apoptosis of T cells but not B cells and also influenced interferon-gamma cytokine production. Hence, the present study describes a potential mechanism by which B cells can regulate T-cell function and survival.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / immunology
  • Antibodies / pharmacology
  • Apoptosis / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • CD40 Antigens / immunology
  • Chagas Disease / immunology
  • Chagas Disease / metabolism
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Galectin 1
  • Hemagglutinins / biosynthesis*
  • Hemagglutinins / immunology
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology
  • Lymphocyte Activation / physiology*
  • Mice
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • Trypanosoma cruzi

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • CD40 Antigens
  • Cytokines
  • Galectin 1
  • Hemagglutinins
  • Lipopolysaccharides