A Novel Human B Cell Subpopulation Representing The Initial Germinal Center Population To Express AID

Grant R. Kolar, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Darshna Mehta
Rosana Pelayo
J. Donald Capra

National Center for Research Resources, Grant P20RR015577

Abstract

We have identified a novel mature human B-cell subpopulation in the human tonsil that has characteristics of both naive B cells and germinal center B cells including the expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), which is essential for the process of immunoglobulin somatic hypermutation and class-switch recombination. These cells are clearly somatically hypermutated, albeit modestly. Their phenotype (IgD+CD38-CD23 -FSChiCD71+) is unique and suggests they may be intermediate between both naive and germinal center cells. Morphologically they are also distinct from other B-cell subpopulations. The evidence presented suggests these cells may be the founder cells of the germinal center reaction (a pro-GC cell) and may be the normal counterpart of the mantle cell lymphoma cell. © 2007 by The American Society of Hematology.

This paper has been withdrawn.