In vitro effects of B cell growth and maturation factor on B-CLL lymphocytes.

In the presence of anti-mu Ab, B-CLL lymphocytes are able to respond to cytokines such as IL2, BCGF and IFN-alpha. IL2 is most frequently an active factor. According to the B-CLL lymphocytes population, IL2 alone can induce growth or maturation of B cells. IFN-gamma and IL2 are inefficient on B-CLL lymphocyte proliferation, but they can profoundly modulate the response to IL2. IFN-gamma can synergize with IL2. In contrast IL4 profoundly and constantly inhibits the response to IL2.