Cross Talk between Peritoneal Macrophages and B-1 Cells In Vitro

Author(s)

Thies, Felipe Garutti ^[1] ; Lucatelli Laurindo, Maria Fernanda ^[1] ; Perez, Elizabeth Cristina ^{[2, 1]} ; Novaes e Brito, Ronni Romulo ^[1] ; Mariano, Mario ^{[2, 1]} ; Popi, Ana Flavia ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Microbiol Immunol & Parasitol, Discipline Immunol, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Paulista UNIP, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLoS One; v. 8, n. 5 MAY 8 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 13

Abstract

B-1 cells constitute a distinct B cell population with unique phenotypic and functional characteristics. They represent the main B cell population found in mouse peritoneal and pleural cavities. The communication between B-1 cells and peritoneal macrophages has been previously studied, and the effect this interaction has on macrophages has been previously described. Using an in vitro co-culture model, herein we demonstrated that peritoneal macrophages were able to increase survival rates and to stimulate proliferation of B-1 cells. IL-6 was also found to be important in B-1 cell survival; recombinant IL-6 increases the percentage of viable B-1 cells in culture. Furthermore, molecules involved in the IL-6 signaling pathway, such as STAT-3 and Bcl-2, were highly expressed in B-1 cells after co-culture with peritoneal macrophages. IL-6-deficient peritoneal macrophages were not able to increase B-1 cell survival, confirming the importance of this cytokine. Altogether, our results indicate a novel mechanism in which peritoneal macrophages are able to regulate the B-1 population via IL-6 secretion. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/50256-6 - B-1 cells: biology, relations with other cells of the immune system and participation in different experimental models
• Grantee: José Daniel Lopes
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants