Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026
16:10
A TIRF Microscopy Technique for Real-time, Simultaneous Imaging of the TCR and its Associated Signaling Proteins
Published on: March 22, 2012
25.3K
The tipping points in the initiation of B cell signalling: how small changes make big differences
1Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20852, USA. spierce@niaid.nih.gov
Nature Reviews. Immunology
|October 12, 2010
Summary
New imaging reveals how B cell receptors (BCRs) initiate signaling upon antigen binding. This provides molecular insights into B cell activation, antigen discrimination, and potential causes of B cell cancers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- B cell activation is initiated by antigen binding to B cell receptors (BCRs).
- Signaling cascades triggered by BCR engagement lead to B cell activation.
- Understanding early signaling events is crucial for B cell biology and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular events initiating B cell receptor (BCR) signaling immediately after antigen engagement.
- To provide a molecular basis for key B cell functions like antigen affinity discrimination and class switching.
- To gain insights into the origins of B cell-associated tumorigenesis.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution live-cell imaging techniques were employed.
- Real-time observation of molecular events following BCR engagement with antigen.
Main Results:
- Detailed temporal sequence of molecular events initiating BCR signaling has been observed.
- Mechanisms underlying antigen affinity discrimination by B cells are being elucidated.
- Early signaling events provide context for B cell class switching and tumorigenesis.
Conclusions:
- High-resolution live-cell imaging offers unprecedented insight into BCR signaling initiation.
- Understanding early BCR signaling events is fundamental to adaptive immunity.
- These findings may inform therapeutic strategies for B cell malignancies.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Intracellular Signaling Cascades
44.7K
Once a ligand binds to a receptor, the signal is transmitted through the membrane and into the cytoplasm. The continuation of a signal in this manner is called signal transduction. Signal transduction only occurs with cell-surface receptors, which cannot interact with most components of the cell, such as DNA. Only internal receptors can interact directly with DNA in the nucleus to initiate protein synthesis. When a ligand binds to its receptor, conformational changes occur that affect the...
44.7K
01:30Assembly of Signaling Complexes
4.7K
Multiprotein signaling complexes are formed in a dynamic process involving protein-protein interactions at the cytoplasmic domain of transmembrane receptors or enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins associated with the receptor. These complexes ensure the activation and propagation of intracellular signals that regulate cell functions.
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
4.7K
01:22Amplifying Signals via Enzymatic Cascade
15.2K
When a ligand binds to a cell-surface receptor, the receptor's intracellular domain changes shape, which may either activate its enzyme function or allow its binding to other molecules. The initial signal is amplified by most signal transduction pathways. This means that a single ligand molecule can activate multiple molecules of a downstream target. Proteins that relay a signal are most commonly phosphorylated at one or more sites, activating or inactivating the protein. Kinases catalyze...
15.2K
01:22Diversity in Cell Signaling Responses
7.1K
The physiological function of a cell and cellular communication are outcomes of a range of extrinsic signals, intracellular signaling pathways, and cellular responses. No two cell types express the same repertoire of signaling components. Receptors are highly selective for their cognate ligands, but once activated, they can alter multiple cellular processes such as DNA transcription, protein synthesis, and metabolic activity.
Graded and Abrupt Responses
Some signaling systems generate...
Graded and Abrupt Responses
Some signaling systems generate...
7.1K
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
13.6K
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
13.6K
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
14.3K
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
14.3K