Abstract
B cells recognize foreign antigens by virtue of cell surface immunoglobulin receptors and are most effectively activated by membrane-bound ligands. Here, we show that in the early stages of this process, B cells exhibit a two-phase response in which they first spread over the antigen-bearing membrane and then contract, thereby collecting bound antigen into a central aggregate. The extent of this response, which is both signaling- and actin-dependent, determines the quantity of antigen accumulated and hence the degree of B cell activation. Brownian dynamic simulations reproduce essential features of the antigen collection process and suggest a possible basis for affinity discrimination. We propose that dynamic spreading is an important step of the immune response.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Actins / physiology
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Algorithms
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Animals
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Antibody Affinity
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Antigen Presentation
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Antigens, Surface / immunology*
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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B-Lymphocytes / physiology*
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Cell Shape
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Computer Simulation
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Flow Cytometry
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Ligands
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Lipid Bilayers
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Lymphocyte Activation*
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Mice
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Mice, Transgenic
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Microscopy, Fluorescence
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Models, Immunological
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Muramidase / immunology
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Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / immunology*
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Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / metabolism
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / immunology
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Signal Transduction
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Stochastic Processes
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology
Substances
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Actins
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Antigens, Surface
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Ligands
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Lipid Bilayers
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Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins
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hen egg lysozyme
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Muramidase