CD137 promotes proliferation and survival of human B cells

X Zhang, CJ Voskens, M Sallin, A Maniar… - The journal of …, 2010 - journals.aai.org
X Zhang, CJ Voskens, M Sallin, A Maniar, CL Montes, Y Zhang, W Lin, G Li, E Burch, M Tan
The journal of immunology, 2010journals.aai.org
Abstract CD137 (4-1BB)-mediated costimulation plays an important role in directing the fate
of Ag-stimulated T cells and NK cells, yet the role of CD137 in mediating B cell function is
unknown. We found that CD137 is expressed in vitro on anti-Ig–stimulated peripheral blood
B cells and in vivo on tonsillar B cells with an activated phenotype. In vitro CD137
expression is enhanced by CD40 stimulation and IFN-γ and is inhibited by IL-4,-10, and-21.
The expression of CD137 on activated human B cells is functionally relevant because …
Abstract
CD137 (4-1BB)-mediated costimulation plays an important role in directing the fate of Ag-stimulated T cells and NK cells, yet the role of CD137 in mediating B cell function is unknown. We found that CD137 is expressed in vitro on anti-Ig–stimulated peripheral blood B cells and in vivo on tonsillar B cells with an activated phenotype. In vitro CD137 expression is enhanced by CD40 stimulation and IFN-γ and is inhibited by IL-4,-10, and-21. The expression of CD137 on activated human B cells is functionally relevant because engagement with its ligand at the time of activation stimulates B cell proliferation, enhances B cell survival, and induces secretion of TNF-α and-β. Our study suggests that CD137 costimulation may play a role in defining the fate of Ag-stimulated human B cells.
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