B-cell development and pre-B-1 cell plasticity in vitro.

B-lymphopoiesis in vivo is a very complex process that is influenced by cooperation between cells, cytokines, and other receptor-ligand interactions, which developmentally occur at different cellular stages. Various in vitro models have been very useful in unraveling this complex process of B-cell development. Here the protocols for how to grow and to study the differentiation of mouse pre-B-1, as developed in our laboratory, are described. Moreover, the protocols of how to grow and to test the plasticity of Pax-5-deficient pre-B-1 cells are also outlined.