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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Preparation of CD4+ T Cells for Analysis of GD3 and GD2 Ganglioside Membrane Expression by Microscopy

Preparation of CD4⁺ T Cells for Analysis of GD3 and GD2 Ganglioside Membrane Expression by Microscopy

Published on: November 8, 2016

B cell ligand discrimination through a spreading and contraction response.

S J Fleire¹, J P Goldman, Y R Carrasco

¹Lymphocyte Interaction Laboratory, London Research Institute, Cancer Research UK, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PX, UK.

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|May 6, 2006

Summary

B cells dynamically spread and contract on antigen-presenting surfaces, collecting antigens to initiate an immune response. This actin-dependent process is crucial for B cell activation and antigen discrimination.

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Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Preparation of CD4+ T Cells for Analysis of GD3 and GD2 Ganglioside Membrane Expression by Microscopy

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Traction Force Microscopy to Study B Lymphocyte Activation

Traction Force Microscopy to Study B Lymphocyte Activation

Published on: July 23, 2020

Area of Science:

Immunology
Cell Biology
Biophysics

Background:

B cells are crucial for adaptive immunity, recognizing foreign antigens via surface immunoglobulin receptors.
Activation of B cells is most effective when encountering membrane-bound ligands, initiating downstream signaling cascades.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the early physical dynamics of B cell-antigen interactions.
To elucidate the mechanisms underlying antigen collection and B cell activation.
To explore the role of cell mechanics in immune synapse formation.

Main Methods:

Live-cell imaging of B cell-antigen interactions.
Pharmacological inhibition of signaling pathways and actin polymerization.
Brownian dynamic simulations of antigen-B cell interactions.

Main Results:

B cells exhibit a two-phase response: initial spreading followed by contraction on antigen-presenting membranes.
This dynamic spreading and contraction process collects bound antigens into a central aggregate.
The extent of this response is dependent on cellular signaling and actin dynamics, influencing antigen accumulation and B cell activation.
Simulations support the observed antigen collection and suggest a mechanism for affinity discrimination.

Conclusions:

B cell dynamic spreading is a critical, actin-dependent early step in immune responses.
This physical process enhances antigen capture and contributes to the discrimination of antigen affinity.
Understanding these dynamics provides insights into B cell activation and immune synapse formation.