Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026
12:24
Murine Model of CD40-activation of B cells
Published on: March 5, 2010
13.4K
Neurotrophins and B-cell malignancies
Jennifer Hillis1, Michael O'Dwyer1,2, Adrienne M Gorman3
1Apoptosis Research Centre, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|September 25, 2015
Summary
Neurotrophins and their receptors are crucial for B-cell functions like proliferation and survival. Their dysregulation also contributes to B-cell malignancies and drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Neurotrophins and their receptors (p75(NTR), Trk) are key regulators of cell proliferation and survival.
- These factors operate via autocrine or paracrine signaling, with expression varying across cell types.
- B lymphocytes express neurotrophins and their receptors, influencing immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of neurotrophins and their receptors in B-cell biology.
- To understand the involvement of these signaling pathways in both healthy and malignant B-cells.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of neurotrophin and receptor expression in various B-cell subsets (resting, activated, memory).
- Examination of functional effects of specific neurotrophins (e.g., NGF, BDNF) on B-cells.
- Review of literature on neurotrophin involvement in B-cell malignancies.
Main Results:
- Neurotrophins are predominantly expressed by activated and memory B-cells.
- TrkB95 receptor is found on activated B-cells; TrkA and p75(NTR) are on resting, active, and memory B-cells.
- Nerve growth factor promotes B-cell proliferation and survival; brain-derived neurotrophic factor aids B-cell maturation.
Conclusions:
- Neurotrophins and receptors are integral to B-cell development, differentiation, antibody secretion, and survival.
- These pathways are implicated in B-cell malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma, potentially affecting drug resistance.
Related Concept Videos
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
18.4K
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...
18.4K
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
9.2K
Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
9.2K
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
3.3K
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
3.3K
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
2.3K
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
2.3K
01:31Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules
4.6K
Immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules or Ig-CAMs are a versatile group of cell surface glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin protein superfamily. Ig-CAMs possess the characteristic immunoglobulin protein domains and other domains such as the fibronectin type III domain. The Ig domains are glycosylated to varying degrees in different Ig-CAMs.
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
4.6K
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
10.1K
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
10.1K