Early BCR Events and Antigen Capture, Processing and Loading on MHC Class II on B cells

Abstract

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B cells are efficient antigen presenting cells (APCs) by means of antigen uptake through the B cell receptor (BCR). The mechanism of antigen recognition remains a topic of debate; while the prevalent view holds that antigens need to be multivalent for BCR activation, monovalent antigens can also initiate B cell responses. In this review we describe the steps required for antigen uptake, processing and loading onto MHC Class II compartments in B cells for efficient presentation to CD4 T cells, with a special focus in the initial steps of BCR recognition of antigen.

Keywords

• B cell receptor
• antigen valency
• antigen recognition by BCR
• antigen presentation by B cells
• B cells as APC