Cd79

Definition

CD79 is a protein that plays a crucial role as an integral part of the B cell receptor (BCR) complex, which is essential for B cell development and activation. It forms a heterodimer with immunoglobulin (Ig) and associates with signaling molecules to initiate intracellular signaling pathways upon antigen binding, influencing B cell proliferation, differentiation, and antibody production.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CD79 is composed of two subunits, CD79a and CD79b, which work together to facilitate signal transduction in B cells.
2. Upon binding of an antigen to the B cell receptor, CD79 undergoes phosphorylation, which activates downstream signaling pathways important for B cell activation.
3. CD79 is expressed at various stages of B cell development, playing a vital role in both immature and mature B cells.
4. Mutations or dysfunctions in CD79 can lead to impaired B cell responses and are associated with certain immunodeficiencies and cancers.
5. CD79 is also a target in some immunotherapies aimed at treating B cell malignancies, highlighting its importance in both health and disease.

Review Questions

• How does CD79 contribute to the activation of B cells upon antigen binding?
  • CD79 contributes to B cell activation by forming a heterodimer with immunoglobulin and recruiting signaling molecules. When an antigen binds to the B cell receptor, CD79 gets phosphorylated, triggering intracellular signaling cascades that promote B cell proliferation and differentiation. This process ensures that activated B cells can effectively respond to pathogens.
• Discuss the implications of CD79 mutations on B cell function and potential disease outcomes.
  • Mutations in CD79 can significantly impair B cell function by disrupting normal signaling pathways critical for activation. Such defects can lead to immunodeficiencies, where the body cannot mount effective immune responses against infections. Additionally, abnormalities in CD79 are linked to certain types of cancers, such as lymphomas, emphasizing its dual role in immune health and disease pathology.
• Evaluate the potential therapeutic applications targeting CD79 in the context of B cell malignancies.
  • Targeting CD79 has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy in treating B cell malignancies due to its essential role in the survival and proliferation of these cancerous cells. By using monoclonal antibodies or small molecules that inhibit CD79 function, therapies can selectively eliminate malignant B cells while sparing normal cells. This approach has shown effectiveness in clinical trials, providing new hope for patients with conditions like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Related terms

B Cell Receptor (BCR): A membrane-bound immunoglobulin molecule on B cells that recognizes specific antigens and is essential for B cell activation.

Igα/Igβ: The signaling components of the BCR complex, consisting of CD79a (Igα) and CD79b (Igβ), which transmit signals into the B cell upon antigen recognition.

Signal Transduction: The process by which a cell converts an extracellular signal into a functional response, crucial in B cell activation following antigen engagement with the BCR.