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Characterization of a Functional Null Cell Line Derived from (NZB × NZW)F1 Mice
Author(s) -
IWASAKI T.,
HAMANO T.,
AIZAWA K.,
KOBAYASHI K.,
KAKISHITA E.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.934
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1365-3083
pISSN - 0300-9475
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3083.1994.tb03522.x
Subject(s) - polyclonal antibodies , null cell , b cell , antibody , autoantibody , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , cell culture , secretion , in vitro , immunology , in vivo , cell , cell growth , endocrinology , biochemistry , genetics
We attempted to establish a null cell line from NZBxNZW(B/W)Fl mice in order to investigate a regulatory role of null cells during polyclonal B cell activation in autoimmune diseases. NB2.2, a representative subclone of resulting null cell lines, was maintained in long‐term tissue culture with 10% mouse ConA supernatant (MCAS). Interestingly, the cell free supernatant of the NB2.2 cells (NB‐CFS) showed marked synergistic effects on IgM secretion by B cells induced by IL‐5. In addition, NB‐CFS had the ability to augment the production of autoantibodies against bromelain‐treated mouse red blood cells (BrMRBC) and single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) by B cells induced by IL‐5. To determine whether NB2.2 cells induce polyclonal B cell activation and autoantibody generation in vivo , BALB/c mice were injected with NB2.2 cells. The results showed that the level of anti‐ssDNA antibodies in sera of BALB/c mice injected with NB2.2 cells was significantly higher than that of control BALB/c mice injected with FDC‐P2 cells. In addition, splenic B cells from mice injected with NB2.2 cells significantly proliferated in vitro in response to IL‐4 and IL‐5, and produced anti‐ssDNA antibodies in the presence of IL‐5. These results suggest that NB2.2, a null cell line established from B/WF1 mice, produces mediators capable of promoting polyclonal B cell activation and inducing autoantibody secretion, and that this kind of null cell may play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.