B Cell Antigen Receptor Signaling and Internalization Are Mutually Exclusive Events
2006
How B Cell Receptors Work
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Ping Hou, Aaron Dinner, Marcus Clark
Hypothesis
The processes of internalization and signaling of B cell receptors are distinct and depend on phosphorylation.
Conclusion
B cell receptors can either signal or internalize after binding an antigen, and this choice is influenced by their phosphorylation state.
Supporting Evidence
- Phosphorylation affects whether B cell receptors signal or internalize.
- Internalized B cell receptors play little role in downstream signaling activities.
- A mathematical model was constructed to explain the competition for receptor tyrosines.
Takeaway
B cells have special receptors that can either send signals or pull in germs, and whether they do one or the other depends on tiny chemical changes.
Methodology
The study involved replacing tyrosine residues on the BCR with other amino acids and observing the effects on internalization and signaling.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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