Generation of functionally distinct B lymphocytes from common myeloid progenitors

Current models of adult haematopoiesis propose that haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) differentiate into common lymphoid (CLP) and common myeloid (CMP) progenitors and establish an early separation between myeloid and lymphoid lineages. Nevertheless, the developmental potential of CMP-associated B cells suggests the existence of alternate pathways for B lymphopoesis. The aim of this study was to compare the developmental and functional properties of CMP- and CLP-derived B cells. While both populations matured through pro-B cell and transitional B cell intermediates in the bone marrow and spleen, respectively, following transfer into irradiated mice, mature CMP- and CLP-derived B cells exhibit distinct functional responses. Specifically, CMP-derived B cells did not respond to mitogenic stimulation to the same degree as their CLP-derived counterparts and secrete lower levels of IgM and the inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10. Together, these data suggest the existence of multiple pathways for generating functionally distinct B cells from bone marrow precursors.