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Antigen Receptor Function in the Context of the Nanoscale Organization of the B Cell Membrane

Michael R Gold1,2, Michael G Reth3,4

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada;

Annual Review of Immunology
|April 27, 2019
PubMed

Insights

The B cell antigen receptor (BCR) is not randomly distributed but organized within the cell membrane. This nanoscale organization is crucial for understanding BCR activation and B cell selection.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • The B cell antigen receptor (BCR) is vital for B lymphocyte selection and activation.
  • Previously, cell surface receptors like BCR were thought to be randomly distributed.
  • Recent advances reveal the plasma membrane is highly organized at the nanoscale.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent literature on the nanoscale organization of lymphocyte membranes.
  • To discuss how membrane organization impacts BCR conformation and activation mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Review of superresolution microscopy studies.
  • Analysis of literature on plasma membrane organization.
  • Integration of findings on BCR function and membrane structure.

Main Results:

  • The plasma membrane exhibits significant nanoscale compartmentalization and organization.
  • BCR distribution and behavior are influenced by this membrane architecture.
  • Understanding membrane organization is essential for deciphering BCR conformational changes.

Conclusions:

  • The nanoscale organization of the B cell plasma membrane fundamentally influences BCR function.
  • Future studies of BCR activation must consider its specific membrane environment.
  • This perspective shifts the understanding of lymphocyte activation dynamics.

Keywords:
B cell antigen receptorB lymphocytesBCRmembrane compartmentalizationnanoclusterprotein islandssuperresolution microscopy

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