CD86 (B7-2) on human B cells. A functional role in proliferation and selective differentiation into IgE- and IgG4-producing cells.

Immunoglobulin (Ig) E production by B cells requires two primary signals provided by T cells, interleukin (IL)-4 or IL-13 and CD40 ligand (CD40L). In addition, costimulatory signals, such as CD23-CD21 interaction, contribute further ensuring a selective control over this production. Recently, CD28, expressed on T cells, has been reported to be involved in this process. The CD28 ligands, CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2), are expressed on human tonsillar B cells, and their expression is up-regulated by IL-4, IL-13, and/or an anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody (mAb). We have investigated whether signaling via the B7 molecules affects IgE synthesis. Human B cells were stimulated by IL-4 plus anti-CD40 mAb in the presence of different anti-B7 mAbs. Cross-linking of CD86 with IT2.2 potentiated IgE and IgG4 production and epsilon transcripts expression. The production of the other isotypes was not modulated. Conversely, the anti-CD80 and the other anti-CD86 mAbs tested had no effect. The increase of IgE and IgG4 production induced by IT2.2 was accompanied by an increase in proliferation, in cell surface density of CD23, and in CD23 binding to CD21-expressing B cells. In contrast, the expression of other B cell surface molecules such as CD11a, CD30, and CD58 remained unaffected. Since IT2.2 favors CD23-CD21 pairing, we tested whether blocking this interaction affected IT2.2-increased IgE production. The neutralizing anti-CD23 mAb, Mab 25, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of the effect of IT2.2 on IgE synthesis. Finally, IT2.2 potentiation on B cell proliferation and IgE production required the two primary signals, IL-4 and anti-CD40 mAb, since IT2.2 alone or in combination with only one of these stimuli did not show any effect on B cells. This study is the first demonstration of a signaling role for CD86. Together with IL-4 or IL-13 and CD40L, CD86 favors CD23-CD21 pairing and consequently functions as a selective and potent costimulus for human IgE and IgG4 synthesis.