Clones reactive to apoptotic cells and specific chemical adducts are prevalent among human thymic B cells.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Thymus resident B cells were described more than 40 years ago. In early human life, these cells are found predominantly in the medulla and overwhelmingly display an unswitched IgM+ phenotype. The reactivity of thymic IgM B cells, however, is still unclear.

Methods

Here, we generated 120 IgM-producing B cell clones from 3 separate thymus specimens obtained from infant, adolescent, and adult donors. Using flow cytometry and a unique high-dimensional ELISA platform, we investigated the clones' reactivity to apoptotic cells as well as to common chemical adducts exposed on modified amino acids and other macromolecules.

Results

Regardless of the age, approximately 30-40% of thymic IgM B cells reacted to apoptotic cells. Further, 30-40% displayed reactivity to a

SUBMITTER: Hertel A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11532181 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature