Upregulation of the netrin receptor (DCC) gene during activation of B lymphocytes and modulation by interleukins

The DCC (deleted in colon cancer) gene has a brain restricted high expression pattern. It encodes a transmembrane protein of the immunoglobulin superfamily identified as the netrin-1 receptor. It might be a member of the so called brain-lymphoid molecules, which control key cell. surface events. To test this hypothesis we have assessed the DCC mRNA level in human normal and malignant myeloid and lymphoid cells. A high mRNA content has been observed only in mature B cells at the secreting or presecreting stage. Expression of DCC was also assessed in the anti-CD40 model of immunopoiesis, Activation of purified tonsillar B cells by anti-CD 40 antibody strongly increased the DCC mRNA level and this effect was dramatically enhanced by the association of IL-2 + IL-10, which is a potent and selective in vitro inducer of the B cell memory phenotype, In contrast no effect has been detected after activation of T cells by anti-CD3, These data suggest that the DCC encoded netrin receptor is involved in B cell immunopoiesis. (C) 2001 Academic Press.