The immunoglobulin receptors on B cells bind antigen, focus activation signals to them and initiate antigen-presentation.
We do not agree with the analysis of Langman and Cohn on the function of Ig receptors. We have reviewed the available literature regarding anti-Ig activation of B cells and found it contradictory and unconvincing. We have presented experimental evidence on the inability of Ig receptors on B cells to mediate activation or tolerogenic signals. We suggest that the Ig receptors serve to focus antigen to specific B cells so the B cells can be activated by TI antigens or helper T cells. The Ig molecules also bind foreign antigen and thereby initiate internalization and antigen processing. The processed peptides are exported to the membrane, where they associate with MHC class II antigens, thus transforming B cells into efficient antigen-presenting cells.
Möller
G
G
Department of Immunology, Stockholm University, Sweden.
Alarcón-Riquelme
M
M
Clinchy
B
B
Gontijo
C M
CM
Höidén
I
I
D000818:Animals; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D005803:Genes, Immunoglobulin / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000276:immunology*; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology; D011961:Receptors, Fc / Q000276:immunology*
D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D011961:Receptors, Fc