B-cell receptor repertoire (BCR repertoire)

The B-cell receptor (BCR) repertoire specific for vaccine antigens is the collection of unique antigen-binding receptors expressed by B cells that have been activated or selected by a vaccine (Nielsen et al., 2018, Nature Reviews Rheumatology). Each BCR consists of two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains, forming a complex that recognizes specific epitopes on the vaccine's immunogen (Janeway et al., 2001, Immunobiology). Upon binding, the BCR initiates intracellular signaling pathways that lead to B-cell proliferation, isotype switching, and somatic hypermutation within germinal centers (Victora & Nussenzweig, 2012, Annual Review of Immunology). This process results in the expansion of high-affinity clones that provide long-term immunity through the production of neutralizing antibodies and the establishment of memory B-cell populations (Galson et al., 2014, Frontiers in Immunology). Analyzing the diversity and evolution of this repertoire is a key component of modern vaccinology, used to evaluate the breadth of protection and to guide the development of next-generation vaccines (Phad et al., 2020, Trends in Immunology). While the repertoire itself is a biological readout rather than a single druggable molecule, it is the fundamental basis for the efficacy of all B-cell-mediated vaccines (Wen et al., 2022, Nature Communications).

Other names

Immunoglobulin repertoireIg repertoireVaccine-induced BCR repertoireAntibody repertoireB-cell receptor library

Vaccines act as exogenous antigens that bind to and cross-link specific B-cell receptors, initiating clonal expansion, somatic hypermutation, and affinity maturation to generate a protective antibody response (Janeway et al., 2001, Immunobiology).