Activation of normal human B cells through their antigen receptor induces membrane expression of IL-1 alpha and secretion of IL-1 beta.

We studied whether normal human B cells would express IL-1 activity and transcribe IL-1 genes before or after activation through their Ag receptor. Anti IgM antibody-activated B cells expressed IL-1 alpha on the cell surface and secreted IL-1 beta. Optimal induction of IL-1 occurred within 16 h of anti-IgM activation. mRNA specific for both IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta was also induced upon activation. It is likely that the expression of m-IL-1 alpha on activated B cells together with the secretion of IL-1 beta represent important contributions in the efficient Ag-presenting capacity of B cells to T cells.