abstract |
The present invention is directed to isolated populations of human natural immunoglobulin-producing B1 lymphocytes, wherein the B1 lymphocytes display surface biomarkers CD20, CD43 and CD27 and are either CD11b+ or GD11b−. The present invention is also directed to a method of isolating human natural immunoglobulin-producing B1 lymphocytes from a blood sample comprising isolating B lymphocytes from the sample that express surface biomarkers CD20, CD43 and CD27, and, optionally, CD11b. In addition, the present invention is directed to a methods for diagnosing a B1 cell disorder in a patient, determining the prognosis of a patient having a B1 cell disorder, and treating a patient having a B1 cell disorder. |