B cells can recognize a large group of structurally highly diverse antigens using the membrane-bound immunoglobulin (mIg) in the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR). The BCR is composed of an mIg of class M, D, G, A or E for antigen recognition and a disulfide-linked hetero-dimer between Igα and Igβ that functions as the signaling entity. B cells can be activated and differentiated into plasma cells that secrete antibodies to neutralize the antigens. In addition to inducing a specific immune response, the expression of the BCR is also required for the proper development and maintenance of the B cell pool in the periphery. IgM is the first isotype expressed on all immature and naïve mature B cells. Despite the importance of the BCR in B cell development and activation, no high resolution structural information of an intact BCR has been reported. The structural information of BCR will provide an important platform by which Dr. Pi aims to further understand B cell signaling with the goal of designing rational therapies against BCR-mediated diseases.
Projects and Grants
Structural and functional mechanisms of B cell receptor assembly and activation
Boston Children’s Hospital | Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma | 2023 | Hao Wu, PhD
