First Author | Croker BA | Year | 2002 |
Journal | J Immunol | Volume | 168 |
Issue | 7 | Pages | 3376-86 |
PubMed ID | 11907095 | Mgi Jnum | J:75581 |
Mgi Id | MGI:2177089 | Doi | 10.4049/jimmunol.168.7.3376 |
Citation | Croker BA, et al. (2002) The Rac2 guanosine triphosphatase regulates B lymphocyte antigen receptor responses and chemotaxis and is required for establishment of B-1a and marginal zone B lymphocytes. J Immunol 168(7):3376-86 |
abstractText | We have defined roles for the hemopoietic-specific Rho guanosine triphosphatase, Rac2, in B lymphocyte development and function through examination of rac2(-/-) mice. Rac2-deficient mice displayed peripheral blood B lymphocytosis and marked reductions in peritoneal cavity B-1a lymphocytes, marginal zone B lymphocytes, and IgM-secreting plasma cells as well as reduced concentrations of serum IgM and IgA. The rac2(-/-) B lymphocytes exhibited reduced calcium flux following coligation of B cell AgR and CD19 and reduced chemotaxis in chemokine gradients. T cell-independent responses to DNP-dextran were of reduced magnitude, but normal kinetics, in rac2(-/-) mice, while T-dependent responses to nitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin were subtly abnormal. Rac2 is therefore an essential element in regulating B lymphocyte functions and maintaining B lymphocyte populations in vivo. |