Prostaglandin E 2 and cAMP promote B lymphocyte class switching to IgG1
Prostaglandins of the E series (PGE) have traditionally been considered as suppressive for immune responses; however, recent data suggest that PGE channels the immune response towards a T helper 2 type response and production of selected immunoglobulin isotypes. Herein, we present data showing that...
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Published in | Immunology letters Vol. 84; no. 3; pp. 191 - 198 |
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Main Authors | , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Elsevier B.V
03.12.2002
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Prostaglandins of the E series (PGE) have traditionally been considered as suppressive for immune responses; however, recent data suggest that PGE channels the immune response towards a T helper 2 type response and production of selected immunoglobulin isotypes. Herein, we present data showing that PGE
2 and other agents that induce intracellular rises in cAMP significantly increased B lymphocyte IgG1 production (up to sevenfold). PGE
2 acted on small resting B cells and on uncommitted B cells expressing high levels of surface IgM to increase the number of cells secreting IgG1. PGE
2 even increased IgG1 synthesis by purified B cells in the absence of exogenous IL-4. Finally, PGE
2 synergized with IL-4 to induce germline γ1 transcripts through the switch region. This transcription is required for isotype switching. These data support the hypothesis that PGE
2 acts on uncommitted resting B cells at the level of germline γ1 transcription to promote class switching to IgG1. PGE
2 is an important regulator of the immune response, shifting the balance towards a T helper type 2 response, directing selection of the isotypes produced, and promoting memory cell formation. |
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ISSN: | 0165-2478 1879-0542 |
DOI: | 10.1016/S0165-2478(02)00185-2 |