TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR-ALPHA (TNF-ALPHA) AND INTERLEUKIN-6 (IL-6) IN B-LYMPHOCYTE FUNCTION

Two cytokines important in the regulation of B-cell function are tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). They act at different steps in B-cell differentiation and can be produced by th e B cells themselves upon appropriate stimulation. Crosslinking of sur face Ig and signaling through CD22 or CD40 lead to increased secretion of both cytokines. Neutralization of TNF-alpha or IL-6 biologic activ ity in B-cell cultures results in a significant reduction in B-cell pr oliferation and Ig secretion. Increased production of these cytokines is found in several diseases associated with aberrant B-cell function. This review will focus on the role of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in normal an d pathophysiological conditions of B-cell function. (C) 1997 Academic Press Inc.