Molecular components of the B-cell antigen receptor complex of the IgM class
Article Abstract:
B lymphocytes express immunoglobulin molecules of the IgM and IgD classes on their cell surface, which bind antigens, or molecules that are foreign. Antigen binding causes the cells to multiply and mature which is necessary for an antibody immune response to occur. It is not known how the binding of antigen to the immunoglobulin molecule generates a signal which enters into the cell and causes proliferation and maturation. Two molecules, the alpha and beta components, have recently been identified which bind to IgM molecules. The gene coding for the alpha component, known as mb-1, has been isolated. Formation of a complex of these two molecules with IgM is necessary for expression of the IgM molecule on the surface of the cell. The alpha component is similar to a portion of one of the proteins that forms a complex with the T cell receptors on T lymphocytes. This region contains the amino acid tyrosine residues, and has a site which can bind G proteins. The addition of phosphate molecules to tyrosine residues, and the binding of G proteins are known to be involved in the transmittance of signals into cells. The IgD antigen receptor is also part of a complex and contains the same beta component as the IgM receptor, but has a different alpha component. The study of how the immune system is triggered to respond is important in the understanding, and perhaps the manipulation, of the immune response to foreign molecules. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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Deficiency of the adaptor SLP-65 in pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Article Abstract:
Research demonstrates that pre-B-cell leukaemia in mice is inhibited by the differentiation regulator SLP-65, an adaptor protein, as shown by enhanced differentiation and prevention of leukaemia development in immune-deficient mice by reconstitution of the protein expression in a pre-B-cell line deficient in SLP-65. Data indicate that tyrosine 96 of SLP-65 is necessary for the SLP-65 activity.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2003
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Cancer without disease
Article Abstract:
Many people carrying in situ tumors may not develop cancer as these tumors are microscopic and they need additional signals to grow and become lethal tumors. Cancer might be treated as a chronic manageable disease when new non-toxic drugs are discovered.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2004
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