Molecular mechanisms regulating B cell responsiveness and tolerance

B cells play a critical role in the adaptive immune response to foreign antigen. In this case, they function both as antigen presenting cells for T cell activation and as secretors of antigen-specific antibodies. In contrast to foreign antigen, B cell responses to self-antigens are normally prevented by a variety of mechanisms collectively referred to as tolerance. Our studies have focused on defining the biochemical pathways involved in directing B cell antigen receptor-induced signals to processes leading to their elimination. We have found that protein kinase Cbeta plays a critical determining role in the differential signaling of B cells resulting in either tolerance or activation. These results suggest this enzyme as a potential target for manipulating the B cell response to foreign antigens.