Immunophenotypic characterisation of cord blood B-lymphocytes

The phenotypic analysis of human umbilical cord blood (CB) mononuclear cells is important to study their maturity and differentiation regarding their transplantable capacity. In this work we have studied differential expression of B cell antigens on CD5-/HLA-DR+ B cells (B1b, B2) and CD5+/HLA-DR+ cells (Bla) from the CB (n=6) and adult peripheral blood (PB) (N=6). CD5-PE, HLA-DR-PerCP and FITC labelled anti-B cell MoAb panel of the 6th International Workshop on Human Differentiation Antigens were used for detection of B cell subpopulations. FacsCalibur (B-D) flow cytometer was used for evaluation of samples. CB Bla (CD5/HLA-DR++) cells proved to be positive with CD9, CD19, CD20, CD21, CD22, CD23, CD24, CD32, CD39, CD45RA, CD76, CD79, MHC-II, IgM and anti Ig light chains MoAbs. CB B1b (CD5-/HLA-DR+) cells reacted with CD9, CD19, CD20, CD21, CD22, CD23, CD24, CD32, CD39, CD45RA, CD79, MHC-II, and IgM MoAbs. PB B cells (B2) expressed CD19, CD20, CD21, CD22, CD24, CD32, CD37, CD39, MHC-II and CD79 Ags. Unlike to the PB the CB B lymphocytes proved to be predominantly B1 cells representing a new-born B cell repertoire. Besides expressing many B cell antigens both the CB Bla and B1b cells showed CD9+, CD45RA+, IgM+ immature, "naive" B cell phenotype. Functionally, B1 cells are capable producing polyreactive IgM and natural autoantibodies but not IgG. This antibody profile might be insufficient regarding the recipient humoral immune defense result in more severe immunodeficiency after CB transplantation.