The in vitro CD40-CD154 interaction promotes human B lymphocytes differentiation into plasma cells. Currently, CD138 is the\nhallmark marker enabling the detection of human plasma cells, both in vitro and in vivo; its presence can be monitored by flow\ncytometry using a specific antibody.We have developed a culture system allowing for the differentiation ofmemory B lymphocytes.\nIn order to detect the newly formed plasma cells, we have compared their staining using five anti-CD138 monoclonal antibodies\n(mAbs). As a reference, we also tested human cell lines, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and bone marrow samples. The five\nanti-CD138mAbs stained RPMI-8226 cells (>98%) with variable stain index (SI).Thehighest SI was obtained with B-A38mAbwhile\nthe lowest SI was obtained with DL-101 and 1D4 mAbs. However, the anti-CD138 mAbs were not showing equivalent CD138+ cells\nfrequencies within the generated plasma cells. B-A38, B-B4, and MI-15 were similar (15ââ?¬â??25%) while DL-101 mAb stained a higher\nproportion of CD138-positive cells (38ââ?¬â??42%). DL-101 and B-A38 mAbs stained similar populations in bone marrow samples but\ndiffered in their capacity to bind to CD138high and CD138lo cell lines. In conclusion, such cellular fluctuations suggest heterogeneity\nin human plasma cell populations and/or in CD138 molecules.
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