Abstract
Hex is a homeobox gene that is expressed in all stages of B cell development except plasma cells. We studied lymphocyte development in the absence of Hex by using the RAG1-deficient blastocyst complementation system because homozygous disruption of Hex is embryonic lethal. Hex-/-;RAG1-/- chimeric mice had severely reduced numbers of mature B cells, pre-B cells, and CD5+ B cells with a striking 15-fold increase in the percentage of B220-CD19+ cells in the bone marrow. Hex-/-;RAG1-/- chimeric mice failed to generate IgG antibodies to T cell-independent antigens, although their serum IgM levels and antibody responses to T cell-dependent antigens were intact. Therefore, Hex is necessary for B cell development and function and its absence results in a dramatic increase in B220-CD19+ cells.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 556-561 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |
Volume | 100 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 21 2003 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General