The Effect of T Cell-Derived Cytokines on B Cell Motility in Vitro

We have investigated the ability of interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) to induce motility in murine, splenic B lymphocytes. Two parameters of cellular locomotion were studied, namely acquisition of motile morphology (polarization) and in vitro migration through polycarbonate filters. Of the tested cytokines, only IL-4 gave a strong motile response among B cells. At the optimal concentration of 3 ng/ml, IL-4 induced polarization in, 10-20% of the B cells within 30 min and in up to 40% after overnight exposure. The same amount IL-4 present in a microchemotaxis chamber stimulated migration through polycarbonate filters after overnight incubation in up to 15% of the input B cells. IFN-γ could also induce some degree of polarization and migration, but only after 19 hr of exposure and to a much lesser extent than IL-4.