Abstract
Abstract The thymus is the primary site for T cell development. Within the medulla of the thymus, negative selection of immature T cells causes a large number of cells to undergo apoptosis, appropriately deeming this thymic region a “grave yard.” In observing the thymus medulla of BXSB mice, we noted a significant increase of B cells in lupus-symptomatic males as compared to female controls or lupus- asymptomatic males. Composition analysis of these thymic B cells revealed that both B1 and B2 cells are present. Immunohistochemistry analysis suggests possible chemo-attraction for B cells in the medullar of the thymus due to the expression of CXCL13 in lupus male mice, but not control females. In vivo tracking of peritoneal B cells over a two-week time period indicated that some of the thymic B cells originated from the peritoneal cavity. To test the possible influence of B cells on thymic T cell development, we co-cultured peritoneal and spleen B cells with thymocytes in a 3D hanging drop plate. Our results suggest a “guardian angel” effect by B1 B cells, depicting an enhanced central tolerance by thymic-migration and promoting regulatory T cell survival.
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