Upregulation of the netrin receptor (DCC) gene during activation of B lymphocytes and modulation by interleukins

The DCC (deleted in colon cancer) gene has a brain restricted high expressi on pattern. It encodes a transmembrane protein of the immunoglobulin superf amily identified as the netrin-1 receptor. It might be a member of the so c alled "brain-lymphoid" molecules, which control key cell. surface events. T o test this hypothesis we have assessed the DCC mRNA level in human normal and malignant myeloid and lymphoid cells. A high mRNA content has been obse rved only in mature B cells at the secreting or presecreting stage. Express ion of DCC was also assessed in the anti-CD40 model of immunopoiesis, Activ ation of purified tonsillar B cells by anti-CD 40 antibody strongly increas ed the DCC mRNA level and this effect was dramatically enhanced by the asso ciation of IL-2 + IL-10, which is a potent and selective in vitro inducer o f the B cell memory phenotype, In contrast no effect has been detected afte r activation of T cells by anti-CD3, These data suggest that the DCC encode d netrin receptor is involved in B cell immunopoiesis. (C) 2001 Academic Pr ess.