A new study, "B-1 B cells: development, selection, natural autoantibody and leukemia," is now available

04-27-2007

According to recent research from the United States, "B-1 (CD5+) B cells constitute a phenotypic and functionally distinct population of B cells in mouse that show enriched expression of autoreactive B-cell antigen receptors and that produce several types of natural autoantibodies. Recently, there has been much progress in this field of research."

"Evidence has appeared for the existence of distinctive B-cell precursors that preferentially generate B-1 B cells, and the crucial requirement for strong B-cell antigen receptor signaling in the maturation of B-1 B cells has been established. Other work focuses on a phenotypically similar population that lacks CD5, termed 'B-1b', which shows similarities and differences from most CD5+ B cells in both development and function," wrote R.R Hardy and colleagues, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Division of Basic Science.

The researchers concluded: "The relationship of normal B-1 cells with B-cell lymphomas and leukemias continues to be a subject of interest and debate."

Hardy and colleagues published their study in Current Opinion In Immunology (B-1 B cells: development, selection, natural autoantibody and leukemia. Current Opinion In Immunology, 2006;18(5):547-55).

For additional information, contact R.R. Hardy, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Division of Basic Science, Philadelphia, PA 19111 USA.

This article was prepared by Physician Law Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Physician Law Week via NewsRx.com.