Mechanisms of B-cell receptor signaling in the immunological synapse [electronic resource] / Pavel Tolar ; Immunology Interest Group.

(CIT): Over the last several years biochemical approaches have been highly effective in detailing receptor-triggered signaling pathways in immune cells. However, biochemical approaches have severe limitations in investigations of the earliest events in ligand-mediated immune receptor activation as such events are predicted to occur within seconds of ligand binding and to involve many weak or transient protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions. To circumvent these limitations, Dr. Pavel Tolar, has applied live cell imaging techniques at the single molecule level to investigate the initiation of B cell receptor signaling following binding of antigens present on lipid bilayers, mimicking an antigen presenting cell. Dr. Tolar will provide evidence for a novel mechanism for signal transduction by the BCR in which antigen-induced microclustering of the BCR, leading to signaling, is not dependent on the physical crosslinking of the BCRs by multivalent antigen but rather requires an active role of the Fc domain of the mIg of the BCR when engaged by monovalent antigens. The mechanism described by Dr. Tolar may be highly relevant to the mechanism by which other immune receptors such as the TCR respond to monovalent antigens on cell surfaces. The Immunology Interest Group (IIG) organizes activities designed to promote information exchange and interactions among NIH scientists interested in the field of immunology, broadly defined. Interactions are facilitated via weekly meetings on current topics as well as an annual Immunology Retreat. For more information, visit The Immunology Interest Group.

Channel: NIH Video Length: 68m 57s Date Found: Tue, Sep 16 2008 6:58 PM Category: Science Date Produced: View Count: 126