How are B cell receptors formed?

The B cell receptor (BCR) is a transmembrane protein on the surface of a B cell. A B cell receptor is composed of a membrane-bound immunoglobulin molecule and a signal transduction moiety. The former forms a type 1 transmembrane receptor protein, and is typically located on the outer surface of these lymphocyte cells.

What type of receptor does B cell use?

Membrane-bound immunoglobulin on the B-cell surface serves as the cell’s receptor for antigen, and is known as the B-cell receptor (BCR).

Where do B cells get their receptors?

Initially, during B cell development in the bone marrow, the antibody molecules are inserted into the plasma membrane, where they serve as receptors for antigen.

What do B cell receptors bind to?

B cells have B cell receptors (BCRs) on their surface, which they use to bind to a specific protein. Once the B cells bind to this protein, called an antigen, they release antibodies that stick to the antigen and prevent it from harming the body. Then, the B cells secrete cytokines to attract other immune cells.

Why is B cell amplification important?

These activating signals are necessary to initiate responses against antigens with pathogenic potential. Regulating these responses, as well as silencing autoreactive B cells, are multiple receptors and coupled pathways mediated by phosphatases.

How many types of B cell receptors are there?

The five immunoglobuline isotypes (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM) can either be secreted (sIgs) or membrane-bound (mIgs) on the cell surface. The membrane-bound immunoglobulines (mIgA, mIgD, mIgE, mIgG, and mIgM) are components of the so-called B-cell receptors (BCR).

Which is the primary B cell receptor?

Expression of the membrane-bound form of the immunoglobulin (Ig) as part of the antigen receptor is indispensable for both the development and the effector function of B cells. Among five known isotypes, IgM and IgD are the common B cell antigen receptors (BCRs) that are co-expressed in naïve B cells.

What is an outcome of B cell activation?

Upon activation, B cells proliferate and form germinal centers where they differentiate into memory B cells or plasma cells. Following differentiation into plasma cells, additional signals initiate plasma cell antibody class switching and regulate antibody secretion.

What makes up the structure of the B cell receptor?

The general structure of the B-cell receptor includes a membrane-bound immunoglobulin molecule and a signal transduction region. Disulfide bridges connect the immunoglobulin isotype and the signal transduction region. The B-cell receptor is composed of two parts:

How does the BCR control the activation of the B cell?

Through biochemical signaling and by physically acquiring antigens from the immune synapses, the BCR controls the activation of B-cell. B cells are able to gather and grab antigens by engaging biochemical modules for receptor clustering, cell spreading, generation of pulling forces, and receptor transport,…

How are B cells activated in the germinal centre?

B cell activation. B cells are activated when their B cell receptor (BCR) binds to either soluble or membrane bound antigen. This activates the BCR to form microclusters and trigger downstream signalling cascades.

How are microclusters formed in the B cell receptor?

Instead, BCR microclusters form by a surprisingly complex process that involves several mechanisms ( Pierce & Liu, 2010; Tolar, 2011 ). Initially, membrane curvature at the contact sites can lead to diffusional confinement of antigen-engaged BCRs.