B-cell receptor specific for influenza antigens (BCR)

The B-cell receptor (BCR) specific for influenza antigens, most notably hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), is a membrane-bound immunoglobulin complex on B lymphocytes responsible for recognizing viral proteins. Upon binding to these antigens, the BCR initiates intracellular signaling pathways that lead to B-cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation into memory B cells or antibody-secreting plasma cells (Nature Communications, 2020). This receptor is the central target of influenza vaccines, which provide the necessary antigenic stimulus to elicit a protective immune response (CDC, 2023). In the context of influenza, the BCR's specificity is a key determinant of vaccine efficacy, as the virus frequently undergoes antigenic drift and shift to evade recognition. Therapeutic research focuses on identifying BCRs that target conserved epitopes, such as the HA stalk, to develop universal vaccines that provide broad protection against multiple strains (Science, 2015). Furthermore, the study of these receptors helps in understanding phenomena like original antigenic sin, where prior exposure influences the B-cell response to subsequent infections or vaccinations (Journal of Immunology, 2019).

Other names

Influenza-specific B-cell receptorAnti-hemagglutinin B-cell receptorHA-specific BCRAnti-neuraminidase B-cell receptorSurface immunoglobulin specific for influenza

Antigen binding to the B-cell receptor triggers signal transduction via the Ig-alpha/Ig-beta (CD79A/CD79B) heterodimer, leading to B-cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation into plasma cells that secrete neutralizing antibodies (Nature Reviews Immunology, 2023).