Regulation of B lymphocytes in health and disease. Meeting review.
Signal transduction by the B cell receptor (BCR) is an absolute requirement for the selection and development of B lymphocytes at multiple checkpoints. Binding to antigen via the BCR is complemented by a co-stimulus delivered through accessory and co-stimulatory cell surface molecules that regulate the signalling threshold. In addition, identification of genes associated with immunodeficiency syndromes has highlighted the importance of genetic regulation, particularly in immunoglobulin class-switching and somatic hypermutation. A 1-day symposium organised by the Biochemical Society considered some of the recent advances in our understanding of the molecules and regulatory pathways involved in B lymphocyte activation, differentiation and survival and the health consequences when threshold settings malfunction.
Galloway
Tamara S
TS
School of Biological Sciences, Plymouth Environmental Research Center, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, PL4 8AA, Plymouth, UK. tgalloway@plymouth.ac.uk
Ray
Keith
K
Malhotra
Rajneesh
R
D000818:Animals; D000915:Antibody Affinity / Q000502:physiology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D007107:Immune System / Q000503:physiopathology; D051379:Mice; D009154:Mutation; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000502:physiology; D017452:Receptors, IgG / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell; D017452:Receptors, IgG