Cellular and molecular factors that regulate the differentiation and apoptosis of germinal center B cells. Anti-Ig down-regulates Fas expression of CD40 ligand-stimulated germinal center B cells and inhibits Fas-mediated apoptosis.

To investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the selection, differentiation, and apoptosis of germinal center (GC) B cells, we have established a culture system containing a follicular dendritic cell (FDC) line, HK. The mAb, 3C8, which is specific to HK cells and recognizes dendritic network in the GC, was developed and provided additional evidence that HK cells are related to FDC by sharing a unique surface Ag. The roles for CD40 ligand (CD40L) and T cell-derived cytokines in the differentiation of GC B cells were investigated in our culture system. We show that there are two distinct stages of GC B cell differentiation. In the early stage, GC B cells undergo spontaneous apoptosis unless they are stimulated by CD40L. In the secondary stage, IL-10 directs GC B cell differentiation toward the generation of plasma cells, while the absence of IL-10 stimulation leads to the generation of memory B cells. The major function of CD40L was found in the enhancement of cell recovery and the augmentation of memory B cell generation. Although GC B cells are Fas+, GC B cells are at first resistant to, but then become sensitive to, anti-Fas killing after 24 h in culture with CD40L, which coincides with the gradual increase in Fas expression on GC B cells. Furthermore, anti-Ig down-regulated Fas expression on CD40L-stimulated GC B cells, suggesting that Ag receptor engagement down-regulates Fas expression and prevents Fas-mediated apoptosis of GC B cells. Our data imply that GC T cells have an important role in the differentiation and apoptosis of GC B cells. GC T cells expressing both CD40L and Fas ligand have a dual function on GC B cells, helper or killer, depending on the status of target B cells. In the early stage, GC T cells stimulate the extensive proliferation of GC B cells, ensuring a large repertoire of B cells for selection. In the later stage, GC T cells kill B cells via Fas-Fas ligand interactions unless GC B cells are positively selected by Ags present on FDC.