Induction of B-cell development in adult mice reveals the ability of bone marrow to produce B-1a cells

Blood. 2009 Dec 3;114(24):4960-7. doi: 10.1182/blood-2009-04-218156. Epub 2009 Oct 7.

Abstract

To study B-cell development from bone marrow (BM), we generated recombination-activating gene 1 (Rag1)-targeted mice lacking mature lymphocytes. B-cell development can be induced in such mice by B cell-specific restoration of a functional Rag1 transcription unit. Follicular and marginal zone B cells populated the spleen when Rag1 expression was permitted. Notably, the peritoneal cavity was dominated by bona fide B-1a cells, as judged by surface markers and functional properties. These BM-derived B-1a cells exhibited a polyclonal VDJ repertoire with substantial N nucleotide insertions. Nevertheless, physiologic frequencies of phosphatidylcholine-specific B cells were detected. Importantly, the BM of young and 5-month-old mice was indistinguishable with regard to the potential to generate B-1a cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adoptive Transfer
  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology*
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / immunology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Genes, RAG-1
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / immunology
  • Stem Cells / metabolism