Characterization of molecular components associated with surface immunoglobulin M in human B lymphocytes: presence of tyrosine and serine/threonine protein kinases

Cytoplasmic Ig alpha serine/threonines fine-tune Ig alpha tyrosine phosphorylation and limit bone marrow plasma cell formation

Igα serine 191 and 197 and threonine 203, which are located in proximity of the Igα ITAM, dampen Igα ITAM tyrosine phosphorylation. In this study, we show that mice with targeted mutations of Igα S191, 197, and T203 displayed elevated serum IgG2c and IgG2b concentrations and had elevated numbers of IgG2c- and IgG2b-secreting cells in the bone marrow. BCR-induced Igα tyrosine phosphorylation was slightly increased in splenic B cells. Our results suggest that Igα serine/threonines limit formation of IgG2c- and IgG2b-secreting bone marrow plasma cells, possibly by fine-tuning Igα tyrosine-mediated BCR signaling.

Syk is a dual-specificity kinase that self-regulates the signal output from the B-cell antigen receptor

Upon B-cell activation, the signaling subunits Ig-α and Ig-β of the B-cell antigen receptor become phosphorylated not only on tyrosines but also on serine residues. Using a specific antibody, we show that serine 197 (S197) in the cytoplasmic tail of Ig-α is phosphorylated upon B-cell antigen receptor activation, and that this modification inhibits the signal output of the B-cell antigen receptor. Surprisingly, we found that the well-known protein tyrosine kinase Syk (spleen tyrosine kinase) phosphorylates S197 on Ig-α, thus not only activating but also inhibiting signaling from the B-cell antigen receptor. This finding identifies Syk as a dual-specificity kinase and establishes a previously unexplored paradigm for the self-regulation of biological signaling processes.

FDC-SP, a novel secreted protein expressed by follicular dendritic cells

To define better the molecular basis for follicular dendritic cell (FDC) function, we used PCR-based cDNA subtraction to identify genes specifically expressed in primary FDC isolated from human tonsils. In this work we report the discovery of a novel gene encoding a small secreted protein, which we term FDC-SP (FDC secreted protein). The FDC-SP gene lies on chromosome 4q13 adjacent to clusters of proline-rich salivary peptides and C-X-C chemokines. Human and mouse FDC-SP proteins are structurally unique and contain a conserved N-terminal charged region adjacent to the leader peptide. FDC-SP has a very restricted tissue distribution and is expressed by activated FDCs from tonsils and TNF-alpha-activated FDC-like cell lines, but not by B cell lines, primary germinal center B cells, or anti-CD40 plus IL-4-activated B cells. Strikingly, FDC-SP is highly expressed in germinal center light zone, a pattern consistent with expression by FDC. In addition, FDC-SP is expressed in leukocyte-infiltrated tonsil crypts and by LPS- or Staphylococcus aureus Cowan strain 1-activated leukocytes, suggesting that FDC-SP can also be produced in response to innate immunity signals. We provide evidence that FDC-SP is posttranslationally modified and secreted and can bind to the surface of B lymphoma cells, but not T lymphoma cells, consistent with a function as a secreted mediator acting upon B cells. Furthermore, we find that binding of FDC-SP to primary human B cells is markedly enhanced upon activation with the T-dependent activation signals such as anti-CD40 plus IL-4. Together our data identify FDC-SP as a unique secreted peptide with a distinctive expression pattern within the immune system and the ability to specifically bind to activated B cells.

Multitasking of Ig-alpha and Ig-beta to regulate B cell antigen receptor function

Since their discovery as signaling subunits of the B cell antigen receptor (BCR), Ig-alpha and Ig-beta are discussed to serve either a redundant or distinct function for B cell development, maintenance, and activation. Dependent upon the experimental system that has been used to address this issue, evidence could be provided to support both possibilities. Only recently has it become clear that Ig-alpha and Ig-beta possess a unique signaling identity but that both together are required to orchestrate proper B cell function in vivo. Here we discuss some of the underlying mechanisms that may involve direct coupling to discrete subsets of BCR effector proteins, such as protein tyrosine kinases or the intracellular adaptor SLP-65/BLNK.

Ligand-independent signaling functions for the B lymphocyte antigen receptor and their role in positive selection during B lymphopoiesis

Signal transduction through the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) is determined by a balance of positive and negative regulators. This balance is shifted by aggregation that results from binding to extracellular ligand. Aggregation of the BCR is necessary for eliciting negative selection or activation by BCR-expressing B cells. However, ligand-independent signaling through intermediate and mature forms of the BCR has been postulated to regulate B cell development and peripheral homeostasis. To address the importance of ligand-independent BCR signaling functions and their regulation during B cell development, we have designed a model that allows us to isolate the basal signaling functions of immunoglobulin (Ig)alpha/Igbeta-containing BCR complexes from those that are dependent upon ligand-mediated aggregation. In vivo, we find that basal signaling is sufficient to facilitate pro-B --> pre-B cell transition and to generate immature/mature peripheral B cells. The ability to generate basal signals and to drive developmental progression were both dependent on plasma membrane association of Igalpha/Igbeta complexes and intact immunoregulatory tyrosine activation motifs (ITAM), thereby establishing a correlation between these processes. We believe that these studies are the first to directly demonstrate biologically relevant basal signaling through the BCR where the ability to interact with both conventional as well as nonconventional extracellular ligands is eliminated.

The serine and threonine residues in the Ig-alpha cytoplasmic tail negatively regulate immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif-mediated signal transduction

The B cell antigen receptor (BCR) is a multiprotein complex consisting of the membrane-bound Ig molecule and the Ig-alpha/Ig-beta heterodimer. On BCR engagement, Ig-alpha and Ig-beta become phosphorylated not only on tyrosine residues of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif but also on serine and threonine residues. We have mutated all serine and threonine residues in the Ig-alpha tail to alanine and valine, respectively. The mutated Ig-alpha sequence was expressed either as a single-chain Fv/Ig-alpha molecule or in the context of the complete BCR. In both cases, the mutated Ig-alpha showed a stronger tyrosine phosphorylation than the wild-type Ig-alpha and initiated increased signaling on stimulation. These findings suggest that serine/threonine kinases can negatively regulate signal transduction from the BCR.

A novel B lymphocyte-associated adaptor protein, Bam32, regulates antigen receptor signaling downstream of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

We have identified and characterized a novel src homology 2 (SH2) and pleckstrin homology (PH) domain-containing adaptor protein, designated Bam32 (for B cell adaptor molecule of 32 kD). cDNAs encoding the human and mouse Bam32 coding sequences were isolated and the human bam32 gene was mapped to chromosome 4q25-q27. Bam32 is expressed by B lymphocytes, but not T lymphocytes or nonhematopoietic cells. Human germinal center B cells show increased Bam32 expression, and resting B cells rapidly upregulate expression of Bam32 after ligation of CD40, but not immunoglobulin M. Bam32 is tyrosine-phosphorylated upon B cell antigen receptor (BCR) ligation or pervanadate stimulation and associates with phospholipase Cgamma2. After BCR ligation, Bam32 is recruited to the plasma membrane through its PH domain. Membrane recruitment requires phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activity and an intact PI(3,4, 5)P(3)-binding motif, suggesting that membrane association occurs through binding to 3-phosphoinositides. Expression of Bam32 in B cells leads to a dose-dependent inhibition of BCR-induced activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF-AT), which is blocked by deletion of the PH domain or mutation of the PI(3,4,5)P(3)-binding motif. Thus, Bam32 represents a novel B cell-associated adaptor that regulates BCR signaling downstream of PI3K.

CDw150 Associates with Src-Homology 2-Containing Inositol Phosphatase and Modulates CD95-Mediated Apoptosis

CDw150, a receptor up-regulated on activated T or B lymphocytes, has a key role in regulating B cell proliferation. Patients with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease have mutations in a gene encoding a protein, DSHP/SAP, which interacts with CDw150 and is expressed in B cells. Here we show that CDw150 on B cells associates with two tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins, 59 kDa and 145 kDa in size. The 59-kDa protein was identified as the Src-family kinase Fgr. The 145-kDa protein is the inositol polyphosphate 5′-phosphatase, SH2-containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP). Both Fgr and SHIP interact with phosphorylated tyrosines in CDw150’s cytoplasmic tail. Ligation of CDw150 induces the rapid dephosphorylation of both SHIP and CDw150 as well as the association of Lyn and Fgr with SHIP. CD95/Fas-mediated apoptosis is enhanced by signaling via CDw150, and CDw150 ligation can override CD40-induced rescue of CD95-mediated cell death. The ability of CDw150 to regulate cell death does not correlate with serine phosphorylation of the Akt kinase, but does correlate with SHIP tyrosine dephosphorylation. Thus, the CDw150 receptor may function to regulate the fate of activated B cells via SHIP as well as via the DSHP/SAP protein defective in X-linked lymphoproliferative disease patients.

GrpL, a Grb2-related adaptor protein, interacts with SLP-76 to regulate nuclear factor of activated T cell activation

Propagation of signals from the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) involves a number of adaptor molecules. SH2 domain-containing protein 76 (SLP-76) interacts with the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav to activate the nuclear factor of activated cells (NF-AT), and its expression is required for normal T cell development. We report the cloning and characterization of a novel Grb2-like adaptor molecule designated as Grb2-related protein of the lymphoid system (GrpL). Expression of GrpL is restricted to hematopoietic tissues, and it is distinguished from Grb2 by having a proline-rich region. GrpL can be coimmunoprecipitated with SLP-76 but not with Sos1 or Sos2 from Jurkat cell lysates. In contrast, Grb2 can be coimmunoprecipitated with Sos1 and Sos2 but not with SLP-76. Moreover, tyrosine-phosphorylated LAT/pp36/38 in detergent lysates prepared from anti-CD3 stimulated T cells associated with Grb2 but not GrpL. These data reveal the presence of distinct complexes involving GrpL and Grb2 in T cells. A functional role of the GrpL-SLP-76 complex is suggested by the ability of GrpL to act alone or in concert with SLP-76 to augment NF-AT activation in Jurkat T cells.

Characterization of the expression and gene promoter of CD22 in murine B cells

CD22 is a B cell-restricted surface molecule which may play an important role in interactions between B cells and other cells and in regulating signals through the B cell receptor (BCR) complex. Here we have examined whether the mouse is a suitable in vivo model for studying CD22 functions. In primary and secondary lymphoid organs of adult mice CD22 is on all mature B cells, including resting IgM+IgD+ B cells, IgG+ HSA(lo) memory B cells, syndecan+ plasma cells and CD5+ B cells, but it is not on immature IgM+IgD- B cells. Biochemical analysis revealed that murine CD22 is associated with the IgM receptor in some, but not all, CD22+ B leukemic and lymphoma cell lines; as with human CD22, murine CD22 is rapidly phosphorylated on tyrosine after ligation of the BCR. In the CD22- murine pro-B cell line, FEMCL, CD22 expression was inducible by treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. A genomic fragment of the cd22b allele containing 1.3 kb 5' of exon 1 was sequenced in order to identify potential DNA regulatory elements in the CD22 promoter region. Consensus sequences for transcription factor binding sites including PU.1, AP-1, AP-2, C/EBP and SP-1 were present, but no classical TATA elements or initiator motifs were evident at relevant positions. The 1.3-kb promoter fragment 5' of exon 1 was sufficient for directing basal promoter activity in B and T cells. There was no significant sequence similarity between the murine and human cd22 gene promoters, although both contain repetitive elements and Sp-1 and AP1 binding sites. Thus, murine CD22 shares a number of features with human CD22 and the mouse provides a suitable model system for elucidating the function of CD22 in vivo.

Protein kinase C mu (PKC mu) associates with the B cell antigen receptor complex and regulates lymphocyte signaling

We have identified a Ser/Thr kinase associated with the B cell receptor (BCR) complex as protein kinase C mu (PKC mu). PKC mu activity is up-regulated after cross-linking the BCR and CD19 on B cells, and PKC mu co-precipitates with Syk and phospholipase C-gamma 1/2 (PLC gamma 1/2). In vitro phosphorylation of fusion proteins showed that both Syk and PLC gamma 1 are potential substrates of PKC mu in vivo. Analysis of mutants of the chicken B cell line DT40 deficient in either Syk, Lyn, Btk, or PLC gamma 2 revealed that BCR-induced activation of PKC mu, like activation of PLC gamma 2, requires Syk and is partially regulated by Btk, but is Lyn independent. PKC mu can down-regulate the ability of Syk to phosphorylate PLC gamma 1 in vitro. Thus, PKC mu may function in a negative feedback loop regulating BCR-initiated signaling cascades.

Assembled pre-B cell receptor complexes are retained in the endoplasmic reticulum by a mechanism that is not selective for the pseudo-light chain

The pre-B cell receptor (BCR) complex, consisting of micro heavy chain, a pseudo-light chain, and the Mb-1/B29 heterodimer, directs the transition to the mature B cell stage. Plasma membrane expression of the pre-BCR is extremely low, despite its presumed signaling function. We have compared assembly and intracellular transport of the pre-BCR complex with that of the BCR complex in mature B cells. Synthesis and assembly rate of pre-BCR and BCR components are comparable. However, the pre-BCR is subject to a highly efficient retention mechanism, which only allows exit of a few percent of the complexes from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This small transported pool of pre-BCR complexes is significantly enriched for protein-tyrosine kinase activity, as compared with the ER-localized receptor pool. Accordingly, the Src-related tyrosine kinase Lyn was found in the transported glycoprotein fraction but not in association with ER-localized glycoproteins. Upon introduction of a conventional light chain into pre-B cells, plasma membrane receptor levels increased, but the efficiency of intracellular transport of the receptor complex was not restored to that in mature B cells. This indicates that the ER retention mechanism is not selective for the pseudo-light chain and may be inherent to pre-B cells. We propose that this retention mechanism contributes to the regulation of pre-BCR-mediated signal transduction.

Regulation, substrates and functions of src

Src is the best understood member of a family of 9 tyrosine kinases that regulates cellular responses to extracellular stimuli. Activated mutants of Src are oncogenic. Using Src as an example, and referring to other Src family members where appropriate, this review describes the structure of Src, the functions of the individual domains, the regulation of Src kinase activity in the cell, the selection of substrates, and the biological functions of Src. The review concentrates on developments in the last 6-7 years, and cites data resulting from the isolation and characterization of Src mutants, crystallographic studies of the structures of SH2, SH3 and tyrosine kinase domains, biochemical studies of Src kinase activity and binding properties, and the biology of transgenic and knockout mouse strains.

Phospholipase C-gamma1 interacts with conserved phosphotyrosyl residues in the linker region of Syk and is a substrate for Syk

Antigen receptor ligation on lymphocytes activates protein tyrosine kinases and phospholipase C-gamma (PLC-gamma) isoforms. Glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins containing the C-terminal Src-homology 2 [SH2(C)] domain of PLC-gamma1 bound to tyrosyl phosphorylated Syk. Syk isolated from antigen receptor-activated B cells phosphorylated PLC-gamma1 on Tyr-771 and the key regulatory residue Tyr-783 in vitro, whereas Lyn from the same B cells phosphorylated PLC-gamma1 only on Tyr-771. The ability of Syk to phosphorylate PLC-gamma1 required antigen receptor ligation, while Lyn was constitutively active. An mCD8-Syk cDNA construct could be expressed as a tyrosyl-phosphorylated chimeric protein tyrosine kinase in COS cells, was recognized by PLC-gamma1 SH2(C) in vitro, and induced tyrosyl phosphorylation of endogenous PLC-gamma1 in vivo. Substitution of Tyr-525 and Tyr-526 at the autophosphorylation site of Syk in mCD8-Syk substantially reduced the kinase activity and the binding of this variant chimera to PLC-gamma1 SH2(C) in vitro; it also failed to induce tyrosyl phosphorylation of PLC-gamma1 in vivo. In contrast, substitution of Tyr-348 and Tyr-352 in the linker region of Syk in mCD8-Syk did not affect the kinase activity of this variant chimera but almost completely eliminated its binding to PLC-gamma1 SH(C) and completely eliminated its ability to induce tyrosyl phosphorylation of PLC-gamma1 in vivo. Thus, an optimal kinase activity of Syk and an interaction between the linker region of Syk with PLC-gamma1 are required for the tyrosyl phosphorylation of PLC-gamma1.

CD22 associates with protein tyrosine phosphatase 1C, Syk, and phospholipase C-gamma(1) upon B cell activation

Cross-linking B cell antigen receptor (BCR) elicits early signal transduction events, including activation of protein tyrosine kinases, phosphorylation of receptor components, activation of phospholipase C-gamma (PLC-gamma), and increases in intracellular free Ca2+. In this article, we report that cross-linking the BCR led to a rapid translocation of cytosolic protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) 1C to the particulate fraction, where it became associated with a 140-150-kD tyrosyl-phosphorylated protein. Western blotting analysis identified this 140-150-kD protein to be CD22. The association of PTP-1C with CD22 was mediated by the NH2-terminal Src homology 2 (SH2) domain of PTP-1C. Complexes of either CD22/PTP-1C/Syk/PLC-gamma(1) could be isolated from B cells stimulated by BCR engagement or a mixture of hydrogen peroxidase and sodium orthovanadate, respectively. The binding of PLC-gamma(1) and Syk to tyrosyl-phosphorylated CD22 was mediated by the NH2-terminal SH2 domain of PLC-gamma(1) and the COOH-terminal SH2 domain of Syk, respectively. These observations suggest that tyrosyl-phosphorylated CD22 may downmodulate the activity of this complex by dephosphorylation of CD22, Syk, and/or PLC-gamma(1). Transient expression of CD22 and a null mutant of PTP-1C (PTP-1CM) in COS cells resulted in an increase in tyrosyl phosphorylation of CD22 and its interaction with PTP-1CM. By contrast, CD22 was not tyrosyl phosphorylated or associated with PTP-1CM in the presence of wild-type PTP-1C. These results suggest that tyrosyl-phosphorylated CD22 may be a substrate for PTP-1C regulates tyrosyl phosphorylation of CD22.

The rabbit B cell antigen receptor is non-covalently associated with unique heteromeric protein complexes: possible insights into the membrane IgM/IgD coexpression paradox

We describe several proteins that are components of the rabbit B cell receptor complex. Two proteins (37 kDa and 42 kDa) were found in non-covalent association with IgM expressed on B cells from peripheral blood. These proteins were also immunoprecipitated by anti-B29 (Ig-beta) and anti-mb1 (Ig-alpha) monoclonal antibodies. As in the mouse and human, the IgM associated molecules were found as heteromeric structures with non-reduced apparent molecular weights of approximately 70-75 kDa. On rabbit B cells we also found these proteins in a 100-135 kDa complex which may represent trimeric or tetrameric structures. By Western blot, the 37 kDa protein was identified as rabbit Ig-beta (B29), suggesting that the 42 kDa protein is rabbit Ig-alpha. These data suggest that rabbit IgM is associated with both Ig-alpha/beta and Ig-(alpha beta)2 or alpha beta gamma complexes. When similar immunoprecipitation studies were performed on lysates made from B cells isolated from appendix follicles, we found two additional IgM associated protein complexes containing 34 kDa and 36 kDa proteins.

Phosphotyrosine-dependent association between CD22 and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1C

CD22 is a B lymphocyte-specific cell surface glycoprotein that becomes tyrosine phosphorylated upon B cell activation. To determine if tyrosine phosphorylated CD22 couples signaling through membrane immunoglobulin (mIg) to down-stream elements, we looked for molecules coprecipitating with CD22 after anti-Ig stimulation. We found that a 60-kDa molecule was stably associated with CD22 following cross-linking of mIg and have identified this molecule as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1C (PTP1C). The association between PTP1C and CD22 is dependent upon tyrosine phosphorylation of CD22, but does not appear to require tyrosine phosphorylation of PTP1C.

Human spleen tyrosine kinase p72Syk associates with the Src-family kinase p53/56Lyn and a 120-kDa phosphoprotein

The 72-kDa spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and Src-family kinase p53/56Lyn (Lyn) contribute to signaling via the B-cell antigen receptor complex. Here we show that Syk and Lyn from human B lymphocytes can interact directly. Syk and Lyn coimmunoprecipitated from mature and activated B-cell lines, and gel-purified Syk and Lyn reassociated in vitro, demonstrating their direct interaction. This Syk-Lyn interaction may be dependent on the stage of B-cell differentiation, since Syk-Lyn associations were not detected in pre-B and myeloma cell lines and Syk from an immature B-cell line did not reassociate with Lyn in vitro. Serine/threonine kinase activity was also associated with Syk. Crosslinking of cell surface IgM led to rapid activation of both tyrosine and serine/threonine protein kinase activities that resulted in phosphorylation in vitro of proteins coprecipitating with Syk--in particular, a serine/threonine phosphorylated protein 120 kDa in size (pp120). Several phosphoproteins, including one of 72 kDa and one of 120 kDa, coprecipitated with phospholipase C-gamma 1 (PLC gamma 1). Sequential immunoprecipitation identified the 72-kDa protein associated with PLC gamma 1 as Syk. The 120-kDa serine/threonine phosphorylated protein that coprecipitated with PLC gamma 1 resembled the Syk-associated pp120 by several criteria. Thus, pp120 may serve as a link between Syk and PLC gamma 1, coupling the B-cell antigen receptor to the phosphatidylinositol pathway.

The B cell antigen receptor complex: mechanisms and implications of tyrosine kinase activation

The B cell receptor is a multimeric receptor complex whose constituent chains appear to mediate distinct and possibly interrelated functions. In this review we have focused on how one chain, immunoglobulin (Ig)-alpha, may function to activate tyrosine kinases and the consequences of that activation. The cytoplasmic domain of Ig-alpha contains a consensus sequence, the antigen recognition homology 1 (ARH 1) motif, which is found in Ig-beta and other antigen recognition receptor associated chains. We argue that this conserved structure reflects an underlying conserved mechanism of secondary effector activation. Our data also indicates that the specificity of each motif (i.e., the elements which restrict secondary effector binding to particular motifs) is encoded within divergent sequences found in each ARH 1 motif. In the particular case of kinase activation by Ig-alpha, the subsequent phosphorylation of multiple tyrosines on Ig-alpha, Ig-beta, CD19, CD22 and possibly other functionally related chains form recruitment sites for a myriad of secondary signal transducers. In this model, proximal tyrosine kinases and phosphatases do not function so much to mediate the linear transfer of information as to establish and modulate an interrelated network of signal transducers capable of driving complicated cellular responses.

Regulation of lymphocyte activation by the cell-surface molecule CD22

Accessory molecules play an important role in the regulation of lymphocyte activation mediated by the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR). CD22 is one such accessory molecule expressed on B-lineage cells. Here, Che-Leung Law and colleagues review current knowledge on the structure-function relationship between CD22 and the BCR, discuss the role of CD22 as a cell-adhesion molecule and suggest models for potential in vivo functions of CD22.

Isolation and chemical characterization of the human B29 and mb-1 proteins of the B cell antigen receptor complex

A disulfide-linked heterodimeric antigen from human B leukemia cells was detected by radioimmunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis using a monoclonal antibody (mAb). The mAb was generated against a cell membrane antigen preparation from human B prolymphocytic leukemia cells and found to define an extracellular epitope of the smaller component (beta chain) of a heterodimeric antigen on human B leukemia cells. The antigen from BALL-1, a human B leukemia cell line, and fresh (uncultured) B prolymphocytic leukemia cells was found to consist of a 44-49 kDa (alpha chain) and a 36-40 kDa (beta chain) component. An additional minor component of 34 kDa was detected in the reduced antigen from BALL-1. For chemical identification of the antigen, we isolated the antigen from a Triton X-100 lysate of BALL-1 by immunoaffinity chromatography using the mAb. Determination of the amino-terminal amino acid sequences of the alpha and beta chains unequivocally identified them as the human mb-1 and B29 proteins, respectively. The sequence analyses indicate the molecular heterogeneity of the mb-1 protein and also perhaps the heterogeneity of the B29 protein. We detected three forms of the mb-1 protein which share an identical amino-terminal amino acid sequence and probably two forms of the B29 protein which share an identical amino-terminal sequence. Our sequence data allowed us to establish the authentic amino-terminal amino acid sequence of the human B29 protein which is different from those proposed by others based on cDNA sequence analyses. Comparison of the amino-terminal sequences of the human mb-1 and B29 proteins with those of the mouse mb-1 and B29 proteins showed that the majority of the conserved amino acids in the mb-1 proteins are hydrophobic amino acids. Such conservation of hydrophobic amino acids is not observed in the amino termini of the human and mouse B29 proteins. A beta-tubulin-like protein was found to be co-purified with the mb-1-B29 antigen in the present study. In addition, we found that there is a strong amino acid sequence homology between the microtubule-binding domains of certain human microtubule-associated proteins and an intracellular segment of the human mb-1 protein.

The alpha/beta sheath and its cytoplasmic tyrosines are required for signaling by the B-cell antigen receptor but not for capping or for serine/threonine-kinase recruitment

The B-cell antigen receptor is composed of membrane immunoglobulin sheathed by an alpha/beta heterodimer. The complex is noncovalently associated with protein kinase activity, and crosslinking of the receptor leads to capping and transmembrane signaling. Here we show that the sheath is not necessary either for this capping or for the association of membrane immunoglobulin with the detergent-insoluble cytoskeletal fraction that occurs following crosslinking. It is also not required for association of membrane immunoglobulin with a casein-kinase-like serine/threonine kinase. The sheath is essential, however, for transmembrane signaling. Provision of just the cytoplasmic domain of the beta sheath polypeptide to a mutant, unsheathed IgM molecule was sufficient to restore full signaling capability as judged by the phosphorylation of a variety of cellular proteins, including the B-cell-specific transmembrane protein CD22. This signaling was destroyed by mutating one of the tyrosines in the beta cytoplasmic domain. These results not only suggest that receptor signaling is mediated through phosphorylation of the tyrosines in the sheath's cytoplasmic domains but, together with previous work, indicate that different motifs within the sheath mediate presentation and signaling.

B-cell antigen receptor motifs have redundant signalling capabilities and bind the tyrosine kinases PTK72, Lyn and Fyn

BACKGROUND

The 13 cell antigen receptor (BCR) is a multimeric protein complex consisting of an antigen recognition structure (membrane immunoglobulin) and two associated proteins, lg-alpha and Ig-beta It has been proposed that signalling through the BCR involves Ig-alpha and Ig-beta. Both of these proteins contain within their cytoplasmic domains an amino-acid motif that is present in a number of immune recognition receptors, including the BCR, T-cell antigen receptor and Fc receptor complexes. This motif, termed the antigen-receptor homology motif (ARH1), appears to have signal transduction ability.

RESULTS

We now show that the presence of cytoplasmic regions containing the ARM motif from either Ig-alpha or Ig-beta is sufficient to confer signalling capability on an otherwise non-functional fusion protein. Both Ig-alpha- and Ig-beta-containing chimeras induced, in an apparently redundant fashion, signalling events seen upon membrane immunoglobulin crosslinking, including tyrosine phosphorylation of particular proteins, phosphoinositicle breakdown and calcium mobilization. Furthermore, crosslinking of the chimeras resulted in tyrosine phosphorylation of the Ig-alpha and Tg-beta tails and their association with the tyrosine kinases PTK72, p53/56(lyn) and p59(fyn).

CONCLUSIONS

These observations indicate that Ig-alpha and Ig-beta are responsible for coupling membrane immunoglobulin to intracellular signalling components. Moreover, they demonstrate that a number of tyrosine kinases associate directly with the cytoplasmic domains of both Ig-alpha and Ig-beta. Stimulation of the chimeras, which results in tyrosine phosphorylation of the ig-alpha and Ig-beta tails, is a prerequisite for some of these associations. The implications of these findings for the mechanism by which the BCR initiates the signalling reactions are discussed.

CD22 associates with the human surface IgM-B-cell antigen receptor complex

The B-cell surface molecule CD22, when cross-linked, modulates signaling through the surface IgM (sIgM)-B-cell receptor (BCR) complex. Here we analyzed the basis of this interaction between CD22 and the human sIgM complex. After lysis of B cells or B-cell lines in digitonin, CD22 coimmunoprecipitated a kinase activity that in vitro-phosphorylated two polypeptides of 150 and 130 kDa on tyrosine residues. By immunoblot analysis with a rabbit anti-serum specific for a synthetic peptide of CD22, we found these proteins to be CD22 itself. Furthermore, the phosphorylated 150-kDa CD22 was found in the sIgM-BCR complex maintained by digitonin, along with Ig alpha/mb-1, Ig beta/B29, and a 75-kDa polypeptide precipitated by an antiserum specific to protein-tyrosine kinase PTK72. CD22 is likely to be an important signaling partner in the sIgM-BCR complex since it is very rapidly and strikingly phosphorylated after sIgM is cross-linked and since it contains the antigen recognition homology I (ARHI) motif, present in other antigen receptor molecules.

B-cell development in man

The development of B-lineage cells requires a series of complex interactions with hemopoietic stromal cell elements during the generative phase, and with antigen and T lymphocytes during the subsequent proliferative/differentiative phases in lymphoid tissues. Recent advances have been made in defining developmental changes in structure and assembly of the antigen receptors and in identifying protein kinases involved in signal transduction via these receptors. The mechanism of T-cell help has also come into much clearer focus through elucidation of the interaction between CD40 on B cells and the CD40 ligand on activated T cells. Finally, progress has been made with the recent identification of defects in a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase and in the CD40 ligand as causes of two B-cell immunodeficiencies in man.

The gene involved in X-linked agammaglobulinaemia is a member of the src family of protein-tyrosine kinases

X-linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA) is a human immunodeficiency caused by failure of pre-B cells in the bone marrow to develop into circulating mature B cells. A novel gene has been isolated which maps to the XLA locus, is expressed in B cells, and shows mutations in families with the disorder. The gene is a member of the src family of proto-oncogenes which encode protein-tyrosine kinases. This is, to our knowledge, the first evidence that mutations in a src-related gene are involved in human genetic disease.

Biochemistry of B lymphocyte activation

The activation of B lymphocytes from resting cells proceeds from the events of early activation to clonal proliferation to final differentiation into either an antibody-secreting plasma cell or a memory B cell. This is a complex activation process marked by several alternative pathways, depending on the nature of the initial antigenic stimulus. Over the past 5-10 years, there has been an explosion of studies examining the biochemical nature of various steps in these pathways. Some of that progress is reviewed here. In particular, we have described in detail what is known about the structure and function of the AgR, as this molecule plays a pivotal role in B cell responses of various types. We have also reviewed recent progress in understanding the mechanism of action of contact-dependent T cell help and of the cytokine receptors, particularly the receptors for IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6. Clearly, all of these areas represent active areas of investigation and great progress can be anticipated in the next few years.