Abstract
In this study we describe for the first time the production of stable human B cell lines and clones that secrete IgM antibody specific for human myelin basic protein. The technique based on limiting dilutions of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed peripheral B cells from patients with multiple sclerosis precluded the need for preselecting or stimulating antigen-specific B cells. Most of the cell lines were stable for at least 6 months in continuous culture and produced 5-12 μg/ml antibody after 2 weeks in culture. The myelin basic protein (MBP)-specific B cells were surface IgM positive, and occured with a frequency of approximately 1/2500 mononuclear cells in peripheral blood. The successful selection and quantitation of specific B cell clones described here suggests that this technique is well suited for evaluating B cell responses to known and suspected antigens and autoantigens.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 249-256 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Neuroimmunology |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 1989 |
Keywords
- Epstein-Barr virus transformation
- IgM-secreting B lymphoblastoid cell line
- Myelin basic protein
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Clinical Neurology