Abstract
Background
The function of CD57+ CD4+ T cells, constituting a major subset of germinal center T (GC-Th) cells in human lymphoid tissues, has been unclear. There have been contradictory reports regarding the B cell helping function of CD57+ GC-Th cells in production of immunoglobulin (Ig). Furthermore, the cytokine and co-stimulation requirement for their helper activity remains largely unknown. To clarify and gain more insight into their function in helping B cells, we systematically investigated the capacity of human tonsil CD57+ GC-Th cells in inducing B cell Ig synthesis.
Results
We demonstrated that CD57+ GC-Th cells are highly efficient in helping B cell production of all four subsets of Ig (IgM, IgG, IgA and IgE) compared to other T-helper cells located in germinal centers or interfollicular areas. CD57+ GC-Th cells were particularly more efficient than other T cells in helping GC-B cells but not naïve B cells. CD57+ GC-Th cells induced the expression of activation-induced cytosine deaminase (AID) and class switch recombination in developing B cells. IgG1-3 and IgA1 were the major Ig isotypes induced by CD57+ GC-Th cells. CD40L, but not IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ, was critical in CD57+ GC-Th cell-driven B cell production of Ig. However, IL-10, when added exogenously, significantly enhanced the helper activity of CD57+ GC-Th cells, while TGF-β1 completely and IFN-γ partially suppressed the CD57+ GC-Th cell-driven Ig production.
Conclusions
CD57+CD4+ T cells in the germinal centers of human lymphoid tissues are the major T helper cell subset for GC-B cells in Ig synthesis. Their helper activity is consistent with their capacity to induce AID and class switch recombination, and can be regulated by CD40L, IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β.
Date of this Version
2-4-2005
DOI
10.1186/1471-2172-6-3
Recommended Citation
Kim, Jong R.; Lim, Hyung W.; Kang, Seung G.; Hillsamer, Peter; and Kim, Chang H., "Human CD57+ Germinal Center-T Cells are the Major Helpers for GC-B Cells and Induce Class Switch Recombination" (2005). Department of Comparative Pathobiology Faculty Publications. Paper 21.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2172-6-3
Comments
This is the publisher pdf of Jong R Kim, Hyung W Lim, Seung G Kang, Peter Hillsamer, Chang H Kim. Human CD57+ Germinal Center-T Cells are the Major Helpers for GC-B Cells and Induce Class Switch Recombination BMC Immunology 2005, 6:3 (4 February 2005) and is available at: 10.1186/1471-2172-6-3.