B-cell activation mediated by interactions with membranes from helper T cells

Abstract

Resting B lymphocytes are small dense cells that express cell surface IgM and IgD. Resting B cells from mouse spleen can be stimulated to proliferate and differentiate to immunoglobulin secretion by the combined action of direct contact with activated helper T (Th) cell clones and lymphokines secreted by Th cells. The mechanism by which this productive interaction of B cells and Th cells is mediated is most likely a multi-step process as outlined in Figure 11. Specific B cells internalize protein antigens, degrade them to peptides and present the peptides on their cell surface in association with class II MHC molecules. This MHC-antigen complex on an antigen presenting B cell is recognized b..