Avalos AM, Ploegh HL. Early BCR Events and Antigen Capture, Processing, and Loading on MHC Class II on B Cells. Front Immunol. 2014; 5:92.

Citation

Avalos AM, Ploegh HL. 2014. Early BCR Events and Antigen Capture, Processing, and Loading on MHC Class II on B Cells. Frontiers in immunology. 5:92. Pubmed: 24653721 DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2014.00092

Abstract

B cells are efficient antigen-presenting cells (APCs), relying on antigen uptake through the B cell receptor (BCR). The mechanism of antigen recognition remains a topic of debate; while the prevalent view holds that antigens need to be multivalent for BCR activation, monovalent antigens can also initiate B cell responses. In this review, we describe the steps required for antigen uptake, processing, and loading of peptides onto MHC Class II compartments in B cells for efficient presentation to CD4 T cells, with a special focus in the initial steps of BCR recognition of antigen.

Related Faculty

Hidde Ploegh, Ph.D.

Hidde Ploegh studies molecular aspects of immune recognition, focusing on the use of nanobodies for non-invasive PET imaging to track immune responses.