Analysis of signaling events in B-1a cells

Abstract

B-1a cells are a unique subset of B cells that are phenotypically and functionally distinguishable from conventional (B-2) cells. Here we detail methods to analyze signaling events in B-1a cells. We demonstrate by flow cytometry and Western blot that mouse peritoneal B-1a but not splenic B-2 cells have constitutive activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 (Stat3) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk).