Induction of B cell activities by interleukin 4 is inhibited by a receptor-specific monoclonal antibodyin vitro

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Abstract
The effects of interleukin (IL) 4 on B cell growth and differentiation are mediated through binding of IL 4 to a specific cell surface receptor. The murine T cell IL 4 receptor (IL 4R) has recently been cloned and monoclonal antibodies (mAb) which bind specifically to the IL 4R have been developed. The ability of two of these anti‐IL 4R mAb (M1 and M2) to inhibit IL 4‐induced B cell functions in vitro was examined. The M1 mAb inhibited the ability of IL 4 to induce B cell proliferation in a dose‐related fashion. The inhibition was specific for proliferation induced by IL 4 in that the antibody did not affect induction of proliferation by IL 1. Similarly, M1 inhibited IL 4‐dependent B cell differentiation as measured by induction of IgG1 and IgE secretion, decreased IgG3 secretion, increased Ia expression, and increased FcϵR (CD23) expression. In contrast, the anti‐IL 4R‐specific mAb M2 had no effect upon any of these activities. The ability of M1 but not M2 to inhibit IL 4‐induced B cell growth and differentiation correlated with the inhibition of binding of radiolabeled IL 4 by M1. These reagents should be valuable tools with which to analyze the involvement of IL 4 in immune responses.