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Published on: January 17, 2016
The chicken B-cell receptor complex and its role in avian B-cell development
C E Sayegh1, S L Demaries, K A Pike
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Avian B-cell development in the bursa of Fabricius relies on a truncated mu chain for embryonic development. Post-hatch, antigen encounter drives B-cell proliferation and V gene diversification for immune repertoire formation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
- Avian Biology
Background:
- The bursa of Fabricius is essential for B-lymphocyte development in birds.
- B-cell precursors migrate to the bursa, undergo V(D)J recombination, and diversify immunoglobulin genes via gene conversion.
- The chicken surface IgM complex is analogous to mammalian counterparts, involving CD79a and CD79b homologs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of a truncated Igmu chain in early avian B-cell development.
- To understand the mechanisms driving B-cell development in the bursa post-hatch.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of B-cell development in the embryonic bursa of Fabricius.
- Examination of B-cell proliferation and V gene diversification.
- Investigating the role of antigen in post-hatch B-cell development.
Main Results:
- Expression of a truncated Igmu chain supports early B-cell development and proliferation in embryonic bursal follicles.
- Bursal cells with V gene rearrangements undergo gene conversion.
- While the truncated mu chain is sufficient for embryonic development, B cells expressing it are eliminated post-hatch.
Conclusions:
- A truncated mu chain drives early B-cell development in the embryonic bursa.
- Antigen encounter post-hatch appears to be critical for sustained B-cell development, proliferation, and V gene repertoire diversification within bursal lymphoid follicles.
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