Identification of CD36 as a new surface marker of marginal zone B cells by transcriptomic analysis

Mol Immunol. 2007 Jan;44(4):332-7. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2006.02.030. Epub 2006 Apr 17.

Abstract

Follicular (FO) B cells and marginal zone (MZ) B cells belong to the mature B cell population in spleen of mice. To identify new surface markers of these mature B cell subsets, we compared gene expression profiles of FO and MZ B cells by DNA microarray using FACS-sorted mouse FO and MZ B cells. From 14,000 mouse genes, 27 membrane proteins were expressed mainly in MZ B cells while another 22 membrane proteins expressed largely in FO B cells. Using FACS analysis, we identified that CD36, CD68, and CD49e were expressed on MZ B cells but not on FO B cells. In addition, using semi-quantitative PCR, we found that the mRNA of CD131 were much more abundant in MZ B cells. These results revealed new phenotypic properties of MZ and FO B cells, and would facilitate further studies in the differentiation and functions of these mature B cells.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Surface / immunology
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • Biomarkers
  • CD36 Antigens / biosynthesis
  • CD36 Antigens / genetics
  • CD36 Antigens / immunology*
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / immunology
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Antigens, Surface
  • Biomarkers
  • CD36 Antigens