Abstract

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis are B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases that afflict millions of people worldwide. B cell-targeted therapies for these diseases result in variable clinical outcomes. Thus, a need exists to better understand the dynamics of human B cell production and function. The mouse model has provided a foundation for understanding the mechanisms involved in human B cell development and autoimmune disease. However, differences in mouse and human B cells are not fully understood. Our work shows that the co-expression of CD21 and CD24, determined by 7-color flow cytometry, can be used to demarcate developmental subsets of B cells. A comparison of analogous B cell subsets in mice and humans showed that the B cell subsets distribution differs between the species suggesting differences exist in mechanisms that regulate and maintain the specific B cell. This work provides a foundation for understanding human B cell development using the mouse model.

LLU Discipline

Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

Department

Basic Sciences

School

School of Medicine

First Advisor

Payne, Kimberly J.

Second Advisor

Casiano, Carlos A.

Third Advisor

Colburn, Keith K.

Fourth Advisor

Duerksen-Hughes, Penelope

Fifth Advisor

Gridley, Daila

Sixth Advisor

Soto-Wegner, Ubaldo

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2014

Date (Title Page)

6-2014

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Antigens - Differentiation; Antigens - CD24; Receptors - Complement 3d; B-Lymphocyte Subset; B-Cell Activating Factor; Lymphoid Progenitor Cells; Hematopoietic Stem Cells; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Common Variable Immunodeficiency; Species Specificity

Subject - Local

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; Rheumatoid Arthritis; B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases; Mouse model; Human B Cell development;

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

156

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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