Functional Analysis of B Cell Heterogeneity

Polyclonal B cell activators (PBAs^) induce resting B cells to proliferation and antibody secretion (G. Moller 1972, Melchers & Andersson 1974a, b). However, this does not imply that all activated cells both proliferate and secrete antibodies upon activation, nor that the pattern of activation achieved with different PBAs will always be the same. In view of the great heterogeneity of the B cell population, in terms of surface markers, homing properties and redrculation pattern, etc. (see this volume), it is to be expected that in the functional activity, as measured by PBA responses, the heterogeneity should also be reflected. This suggestion is supported by the fact that increasing numbers of substances with PBA activity, each inducing a particular pattern of response, to different extent, have been demonstrated lately (Coutinho & Moller 1973, Diamantstein et al. 1973, Sultzer & Nilsson 1972, Bona et al. 1974, Nakashima & Kato 1974). Most of these substances induce B cells to go through a pathway which most likely does not