# PURIFICATION AND IMMUNOBIOLOGY OF B MATURATION FACTORS

> **NIH NIH R01** · JACKSON LABORATORY · 1987 · $184,189

## Abstract

The longterm objective of this research project is to understand the
maturation of resting immunocompetent B lymphocytes into actively
immunoglobulin-secreting plasma cells at the cellular, biochemical,
molecular and genetic levels.  Currently, attention is focussed on the
identity, mechanisms of action, and biological relevance of several
distinct protein molecules termed B cell Maturation Factors (BMFs).  BMFs
are derived from several cell types in the immune system, and are able to
induce, in cultured normal or tumor B cells, all of the changes thought to
be part of the resting B cell to plasma cell transition.

The identity of these BMFs is being pursued both by classical protein
purification and by recombinant DNA cloning.  Their mechanisms of action
(cell surface receptors, intracellular signals, changes in Ig metabolism
and cell growth, etc.) are being investigated by a combination of molecular
biological, biochemical, immunological, and genetic techniques.  The
relevance of BMFs is being approached by studying the effects of
endogenously produced or exogenously administered BMFs on both normal and
BMF-unresponsive mouse strains and tumor cells in vitro and in vivo.

The information gained in these studies may have medical significance for
several reasons.  First, a detailed understanding of the maturation of B
lymphocytes to active Ig secretion, the central process of humoral immunity
may lead to more specific and efficient manipulation of the immune system
in normal individuals and patients with heightened (autoimmune) or
depressed (immunodeficient) immune capabilities.  Second, since WEHI-279
tumor B cells are an important component of this project, these studies
directly address the growth and differentiation of certain B cell tumors
and how these may be modified.  Finally, by identifying and cloning
lymphokine (BMF) structural genes in the mouse, probes will be obtained
which should allow isolation of the equivalent genes and molecules in man,
for eventual diagnostic or therapeutic use.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3173395
- **Project number:** 5R01CA035845-05
- **Recipient organization:** JACKSON LABORATORY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** XR6LMXNKDJJ1
- **Principal Investigator:** CHARLES L SIDMAN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $184,189
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-07-01 → 1989-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3173395

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3173395, PURIFICATION AND IMMUNOBIOLOGY OF B MATURATION FACTORS (5R01CA035845-05). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3173395. Licensed CC0.

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