A Single-Molecule Approach to Study B Cell Antigen Recognition and Affinity Discrimination

Abstract

Generation of antigen-specific antibodies by B cells is crucial for protection against diseases and provides the basis for successful vaccination. Therefore, a mechanistic understanding of how B cells recognize and discriminate antigens to trigger antigen-specific antibody responses is key to rational design of new vaccines. Mechanotransduction has recently been demonstrated to play a critical role in B cell antigen recognition and activation via the B cell receptor (BCR). However, there is a gap in understanding of the events leading from the initial BCR-antigen binding event to the initiation of intracellular signalling and B cell activation.