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The kappa-like pre-B receptor: surplus biology or a missing link?
Morgan R McKeller1, Hector Martinez-Valdez
1Department of Immunology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 301402, Unit # 902, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Seminars in Immunology
|November 26, 2005
Summary
Germline transcription is not sterile, as shown by kappa-like and lambda-like pre-B cell receptors. These receptors work together to ensure proper B-lymphocyte maturation and heavy chain allelic exclusion.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Germline transcription was previously thought to be sterile.
- Surrogate JCkappa polypeptides and Vkappa-like components of kappa-like pre-B cell receptors have been characterized.
- The lambda-like surrogate light chain consists of lambda5 and VpreB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the alternative usage of kappa-like and lambda-like pre-B cell receptors.
- To propose a model for the concerted function of these receptors in B-lymphocyte development.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, relying on existing literature and data.
- Conceptual analysis and synthesis of current knowledge on pre-B cell receptors.
Main Results:
- Germline transcription is not sterile.
- Kappa-like and lambda-like pre-B cell receptors utilize the lambda-like surrogate light chain (lambda5 and VpreB).
- Both receptor types function in concert.
Conclusions:
- The alternative usage of kappa-like and lambda-like pre-B cell receptors represents a fail-safe mechanism.
- This mechanism promotes light chain rearrangement, heavy chain allelic exclusion, and B-lymphocyte maturation.