Regulatory effects of prostaglandin E2 on the growth and differentiation of human B lymphocytes activated through their CD40 antigen.

We have studied the effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the growth and differentiation of human tonsillar B lymphocytes cultured in the CD40 system with or without IL-4 or IL-10. PGE2 (10(-9) to 10(-6) M) enhanced proliferation of B cells activated through their CD40 Ag, but not their Ig secretion. PGE2 further potentiated both IL-4- and IL-10-induced B cell growth as determined by [3H]TdR uptake and cellular enumeration. The IL-10-induced IgM, IgG, and IgA secretion was enhanced twofold to fourfold after addition of PGE2, whereas IL-4-induced IgG and IgE secretion was inhibited. The IgE production was particularly sensitive as an approximately 90% inhibition was obtained for 10(-7) M PGE2. In addition, PGE2 inhibited IgE production by naive surface IgD+ B cells cultured in the CD40 system, suggesting that PGE2 may interact with mechanisms involved in IgE switching. PGE2 displayed similar effects on cytokine-induced proliferation and Ig secretion of B cells activated by anti-CD40 Abs used in a soluble form. Finally, the PGE2 effects were mimicked by agents increasing cAMP, indicating that the PGE2 activities are likely to depend on the activation of the cAMP pathway. Altogether, the present data indicate that PGE2 stimulates human CD40-activated B cell growth, but differently modulates cytokine-induced differentiation. Thus, in microenvironments supporting the development of an immune response, the secretion of PGE2 by competent cells such as macrophages may participate in the regulation of the humoral response.