Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 13, 2026

Studying Organelle Dynamics in B Cells During Immune Synapse Formation
Published on: June 1, 2019
B-cell acquisition of antigen: Sensing the surface
1The Institute of Cellular Medicine, The Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
B cells recognize antigens differently based on surface stiffness. Less stiff surfaces enhance B-cell activation and antibody production, potentially revealing new immune sensing mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) recognition is crucial for antibody responses.
- B cells present antigens to T helper cells, influencing immune activation.
- B cells interact with both soluble and cell-surface-bound antigens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how the physical property of antigen-displaying surfaces affects B-cell responses.
- To explore the impact of surface stiffness on B-cell activation and antibody production.
Main Methods:
- B cells were exposed to antigens displayed on surfaces of varying stiffness.
- B-cell activation and antibody production were measured in response to antigen presentation.
Main Results:
- Antigens presented on less stiff surfaces induced significantly increased B-cell activation.
- Antibody responses were enhanced when B cells encountered antigens on softer substrates.
- This suggests B cells can sense and respond to the physical properties of their environment.
Conclusions:
- Surface stiffness is a critical factor influencing B-cell antigen recognition and response.
- "Sensing the surface" by B cells may represent a novel immune surveillance mechanism.
- Understanding these interactions could inform new therapeutic strategies for immune modulation.
More Related Videos
11:00Visualizing the Actin and Microtubule Cytoskeletons at the B-cell Immune Synapse Using Stimulated Emission Depletion STED Microscopy
Published on: April 9, 2018
09:25Detection and Enrichment of Rare Antigen-specific B Cells for Analysis of Phenotype and Function
Published on: February 16, 2017
Related Concept Videos
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
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...
Diversity of Antigen Receptors
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Antigen Presenting Cells
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...