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Complement Independence of Stimulation of Mouse Splenic B Lymphocytes by Mitogens

Nature New Biology volume 245, pages 108–112 (1973)Cite this article

Abstract

A LARGE proportion of T lymphocytes is activated by soluble lectins, such as phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin-A (con-A) and lentil mitogen1–3, and heterologous anti-lymphocyte sera4, whereas B lymphocytes respond to insoluble lectins5,6, bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS)1,3,7–9, and (in some species, but not in mice) to anti-immunoglobulin antibodies10. Pokeweed mitogen (PWM)4,5 and probably staphylococcal enterotoxin B11, stimulate both T and B cells. Although the basis of selective T-B activation in vitro is not clearly understood, it is known that T and B cells bind PHA12, con-A3 and LPS3 equally well and that most soluble lectins induce binding site redistribution on both T and B cells12. These observations as well as extensive studies on antigens13 with different physical properties suggest that the size, multivalency and manner of presentation of the ligand determine whether T or B cells will be stimulated. Most agents which stimulate T cells directly (that is in the absence of T cells), namely polyclonal mitogens and T-independent antigens, are polymeric and direct activation of B lymphocytes may therefore require a considerable degree of receptor cross-linkage lattice formation1,13.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Immunology, Clinical Research Centre, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3UJ

    G. JANOSSY

  2. National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA

    J. H. HUMPHREY

  3. Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge

    M. B. PEPYS

  4. Department of Zoology, University College London, Cower Street, London, WCIE 6BT

    M. F. GREAVES

Authors
  1. G. JANOSSY
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  2. J. H. HUMPHREY
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  3. M. B. PEPYS
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  4. M. F. GREAVES
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JANOSSY, G., HUMPHREY, J., PEPYS, M. et al. Complement Independence of Stimulation of Mouse Splenic B Lymphocytes by Mitogens. Nature New Biology 245, 108–112 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/newbio245108a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/newbio245108a0

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