Expression of IL-9 receptor alpha chain on human germinal center B cells modulates IgE secretion.

Background: IL-9 has been shown to affect the differentiation pathway of different cell types. However, its potential role in the maturation pathway of antigen-driven B-cell differentiation and its functional effects remain unknown.

Objective: To characterize IL-9 receptor alpha chain (IL-9R alpha) expression on human tonsillar B cells at different maturational stages, and to assess its effect on IgE production.

Regulation of IL-13 receptor alpha 1 expression and signaling on human tonsillar B-lymphocyte subsets.

Background: T(H)2 cytokines play crucial roles in driving human B lymphocytes to produce IgE. However, it is unclear whether IL-4 and IL-13 have parallel or sequential roles in the development of B lymphocytes.

Objective: We investigated IL-13 receptor (IL-13R) expression and regulation in mature and immature human B cells.

Leukotriene A4 hydrolase expression in PEL cells is regulated at the transcriptional level and leads to increased leukotriene B4 production.

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a herpesvirus-8-associated lymphoproliferative disease characterized by migration of tumor cells to serous body cavities. PEL cells originate from postgerminal center B cells and share a remarkable alteration in B cell transcription factor expression and/or activation with classical Hodgkin's disease cells. Comparative analysis of gene expression by cDNA microarray of BCBL-1 cells (PEL), L-428 (classical Hodgkin's disease), and BJAB cells revealed a subset of genes that were differentially expressed in BCBL-1 cells.