Expression data from splenic IL-10 positive and IL-10 negative B cells of C57BL/6

The mechanisms in regulating the development of IL-10 producing B cells are largely unknown. To clarify which transcription factor is critical for regulation of IL-10 producing B cells, we compared the gene expression profile of IL-10 positive B cells and IL-10 negative B cells. Transcriptional repressor Prdm1/Blimp1 is known to play a key role in controlling B ells differentiation. We show a dual role for Blimp-1 in IL-10 expression in IL-10 producing B cells and plasmablasts. To understand the genes involved in regulating the production of Il-10 by B cells, purified splenic B cells were stimulated with LPS or anti-CD40 for 48 hrs, followed by isolation of IL-10+ B cells and IL-10− B cells.