title: B cell ligand discrimination through a spreading and contraction response.
abstract: B cells recognize foreign antigens by virtue of cell surface immunoglobulin receptors and are most effectively activated by membrane-bound ligands. Here, we show that in the early stages of this process, B cells exhibit a two-phase response in which they first spread over the antigen-bearing membrane and then contract, thereby collecting bound antigen into a central aggregate. The extent of this response, which is both signaling- and actin-dependent, determines the quantity of antigen accumulated and hence the degree of B cell activation. Brownian dynamic simulations reproduce essential features of the antigen collection process and suggest a possible basis for affinity discrimination. We propose that dynamic spreading is an important step of the immune response.
authors: Lymphocyte Interaction Laboratory, London Research Institute, Cancer Research UK, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PX, UK.
authors: S J
authors: SJ
authors: Fleire
authors: J P
authors: JP
authors: Goldman
authors: Y R
authors: YR
authors: Carrasco
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Weber
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Bray
authors: F D
authors: FD
authors: Batista