Characteristics of human IgA and IgM genes used by plasma cells in the salivary gland resemble those used in duodenum but not those used in the spleen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

53 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Immunologically, the parotid salivary gland is an effector site that secretes large quantities of polyspecific Abs into the saliva, mainly of the IgA isotype. It is considered to be part of the common mucosal immune system but the inductive site for the Ab-producing cells of the salivary gland has not yet been clearly identified. The origin and diversity of cells of B lineage can be investigated by analyzing their Ig heavy chain genes (Ig(H)). We have obtained sequences of IgM and IgA V(H)4-34 genes from plasma cells in human salivary gland, duodenal lamina propria, and splenic red pulp. Related sequences were found in different areas sampled within each tissue studied, indicating that the plasma cells carrying these genes are widespread with limited diversity. Examples of related Ig(H) genes that are isotype switched were also seen in the salivary gland. The genes from plasma cells of the salivary gland were highly mutated, as were duodenal plasma cell sequences. The level of mutation was significantly higher than that seen in splenic plasma cell sequences. Analysis of CDR3 regions Showed that the sequences from salivary gland had significantly smaller CDR3 regions than sequences from spleen, due to differences in number and type of D-H regions used. Sequences from duodenum also had smaller CDR3 regions. Therefore, plasma cells from human duodenum and salivary gland showed characteristics that differed from those of human splenic plasma cells.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1595 - 1601
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Immunology
Volume164
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2000

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Characteristics of human IgA and IgM genes used by plasma cells in the salivary gland resemble those used in duodenum but not those used in the spleen'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this