The role of integrins and coreceptors in refining thresholds for B-cell responses.
Despite compelling evidence that a large proportion of antigens encountered in vivo by B cells are membrane bound, the general view is that B cells are mainly activated by soluble antigens. This notion may have been biased somewhat over the years because the high affinity of the B-cell receptor (BCR) for soluble intact ligands allows efficient B-cell stimulation in vitro. In vivo, however, even soluble antigens are likely to be deposited on the surface of antigen-presenting cells, either by complement or Fc receptors in the form of immune complexes, thus becoming more potent stimulators of B-cell activation. In this framework, the BCR works in a complex environment of integrins and coreceptors, as well as the B-cell cytoskeleton. Over the last few years, we have focused on B-cell membrane-bound antigen recognition. Here, we discuss some of our findings in the context of what is currently known in this exciting new field.
Batista
Facundo D
FD
Lymphocyte Interaction Laboratory, London Research Institute, Cancer Research UK, London, UK. facundo.batista@cancer.org.uk
Arana
Eloisa
E
Barral
Patricia
P
Carrasco
Yolanda R
YR
Depoil
David
D
Eckl-Dorna
Julia
J
Fleire
Sebastian
S
Howe
Kathy
K
Vehlow
Anne
A
Weber
Michele
M
Treanor
Bebhinn
B
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D016023:Integrins / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D011485:Protein Binding; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D016023:Integrins; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell