Retinoic acid acts as a selective human IgA switch factor

作者：Seo Goo Young; Jang Young Saeng; Kim Jini; Choe Jongseon; Han Hye Ju; Lee Jeong Min; Kang Seong Ho; Rhee Ki Jong; Park Seok Rae; Kim Woan Sub; Kim Pyeung Hyeun^*

来源：Human Immunology, 2014, 75(8): 923-929.

DOI：10.1016/j.humimm.2014.06.021

• Retinoic acid
• IgA
• Class switch
• RAR alpha
• B cell

Retinoic acid (RA) is known to have several functions that lead to a potent mucosal IgA response. Nevertheless, its exact role in human IgA synthesis has yet to be elucidated. Thus, we investigated the role of RA in promoting IgA isotype switching in human B cells. We found that RA increased IgA production and the expression of germ-line IgA1 and IgA2 transcripts (GLT alpha 1 and GLT alpha 2). This induction occurred alongside an increase in the frequency of IgA1-secreting B cell clones, as assessed by limiting dilution analysis. Under the same conditions, RA did not increase IgM and IgG production. Am80, an agonist of RA receptor alpha (RAR alpha), increased IgA production. In addition, RA activity was abrogated by LE540, an antagonist of RAR, suggesting that the RAR pathway is involved in RA-induced IgA production. Taken together, these results indicate that RA induces IgA isotype switching mainly through RAR alpha in human B cells.

• 出版日期2014-8