Autoreactive B cells in the marginal zone that express dual receptors

J Exp Med. 2002 Jan 21;195(2):181-8. doi: 10.1084/jem.20011453.

Abstract

Allotype and isotype exclusion is a property of most lymphocytes. The reason for this property is not known but it guarantees a high concentration of a single receptor, and threshold numbers of receptors may be required for efficient positive and negative selection. Receptor editing compromises exclusion by sustaining recombination even after a functional receptor is formed. Consequently, B cells expressing multiple receptors arise. We have studied such B cells in which one of the two receptors is anti-self, and find that these partially autoreactive B cells accumulate in the marginal zone. The restriction of these cells in this location may help to prevent them from undergoing diversification and developing into fully autoreactive B cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • DNA / immunology
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains / immunology
  • Isoantigens / genetics
  • Isoantigens / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / genetics
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / immunology*
  • Recombination, Genetic
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains
  • Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains
  • Isoantigens
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell
  • DNA