Molecular and cellular dynamics at the early stages of antigen encounter: the B-cell immunological synapse.
The recent development and application of sophisticated technology in the study of the initial stages of the B-cell immune response has lead to a tremendous revolution in the field. The use of real-time confocal microscopy, total interference reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and in vitro models has revealed the molecular details of the antigen recognition process by B cells. Moreover, experimental models that allow tracking of antigen in vivo in concert with multiphoton microscopy have provided critical information as to the how, where, and when naïve B cells encounter antigen in vivo. This review focuses on the latest data regarding the early phase of the humoral immune response at molecular and cellular levels.
Carrasco
Yolanda R
YR
Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre of Biotechnology/CSIC, UAM-Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid, E-28049, Spain. ycarrasco@cnb.csic.es
D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D056724:Immunity, Humoral; D054992:Immunological Synapses / Q000502:physiology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation