Abstract
An abundance of research has entrenched the view that the Ets domain containing transcription factor PU.1 is fundamental to the development and function of B lymphocytes. In this study, we have made use of a conditional PU.1 allele to test this notion. Complete deletion of PU.1 resulted in the loss of B cells and all other lineage-positive cells in the fetal liver and death between E18.5 and birth; however, specific deletion of PU.1 in the B lineage had no effect on B-cell development. Furthermore, deletion of PU.1 in B cells did not compromise their ability to establish and maintain an immune response. An increased level of apoptosis was observed in vitro upon B-cell receptor (BCR) cross-linking; however, this was partially rescued by interleukin-4 (1L-4). These findings suggest that PU.1 is not essential for the development of functional B lymphocytes beyond the pre-B stage.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2083-2090 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Blood |
Volume | 106 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 Sep 2005 |