Progressive depletion of peripheral B lymphocytes in 4-1BB (CD137) ligand/I-Eα-transgenic mice

G. Zhu, D. B. Flies, K. Tamada, Y. Sun, M. Rodriguez, Y. X. Fu, L. Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

Interaction of 4-1BB (CD137) and its ligand (4-1BBL) is thought to positively regulate cell-mediated and humoral immune responses. We have prepared transgenic mouse strains that express 4-1BBL cDNA under the control of MHC class II I-Eα promoter. The 4-1BBL-transgenic mice show progressive splenomegaly and selective depletion of B220+ B cells accompanied with low levels of circulating IgG and defective humoral responses to Ag challenge. In addition, splenocytes from the transgenic mice fail to provide stimulation for allogeneic T cells in both lymphoproliferative and CTL responses in vitro, whereas their T cells remain functionally normal. Our results reveal unexpected functions of 4-1BBL in the regulation of humoral immune responses and Ag presentation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2671-2676
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Immunology
Volume167
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2001

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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