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Regulated expression of galectin‐1 during B‐cell activation and implications for T‐cell apoptosis
Author(s) -
Zuñiga Elina,
Rabinovich Gabriel A.,
Iglesias M. Mercedes,
Gruppi Adriana
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of leukocyte biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.819
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1938-3673
pISSN - 0741-5400
DOI - 10.1189/jlb.70.1.73
Subject(s) - biology , microbiology and biotechnology , galectin , apoptosis , cd40 , b cell , cell , in vitro , cytotoxic t cell , immunology , antibody , biochemistry
Galectin‐1 (GAL‐1), a highly conserved β‐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‐γ cytokine production. Hence, the present study describes a potential mechanism by which B cells can regulate T‐cell function and survival.