title: In vitro analysis of nucleic acid recognition in B lymphocytes.
abstract: In contrast to murine B cells, Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression in human B cells is mainly restricted to endosomally localized TLR7 and -9, receptors for RNA and DNA, respectively. Most importantly, B lymphocytes lack classical phagocytic receptors and instead internalize antigen only via the B cell receptor (BCR), a surface immunoglobulin specific for a defined antigen. BCR ligation triggers internalization of particulate antigens and physically associated molecules among them bacterial DNA or RNA. Thereby, this process provides access to endosomal nucleic acid-sensing TLRs. Co-stimulation of BCR and TLR ultimately leads to T cell-independent B cell activation. Here, we explain how this process can be experimentally mimicked in human peripheral blood B cells, e.g., using a microsphere-based system that promotes uptake of nucleic acid-based TLR ligands via BCR engagement.
authors: Department for Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors: Saskia
authors: S
authors: Ziegler
authors: Isabelle
authors: I
authors: Bekeredjian-Ding
mesh_terms: D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D006801:Humans; D009696:Nucleic Acids / Q000378:metabolism*; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000378:metabolism; D051199:Toll-Like Receptor 7 / Q000378:metabolism; D051217:Toll-Like Receptor 9 / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D009696:Nucleic Acids; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell; D051199:Toll-Like Receptor 7; D051217:Toll-Like Receptor 9