Lineage Switch of a Mouse Pre-B-Cell Line (SPMG-1) to Macrophage-like Cells After Incubation with Phorbol Ester and Calcium Ionophore

Abstract

The mouse CD5 positive pre-B cell line SPGM-1 can be induced to switch its lineage commitment towards macrophage differentiation by treatment with a combination of phorbol ester and a calcium ionophore. When cultured with these reagents the pre-B cells ceased to proliferate and rapidly became adherent to plastic surfaces. This morphological change was accompanied by the loss of pre-B cell-specific surface markers, such as PB76 and most prominantly the μ heavy chain of the immunoglobulin receptor complex. In addition, the mRNA of the surrogate light chain λ5 disappeared while the induction of lysozyme mRNA could be detected. Differentiated SPGM-1 cells phagocytosed latex beads and showed nons..