B-cell receptor specific for influenza virion antigens (BCR)

B-cell receptors (BCRs) specific for influenza virion antigens are specialized membrane-bound immunoglobulins expressed on the surface of B-lymphocytes that recognize and bind to specific epitopes on influenza virus proteins, primarily hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) (Kurosaki et al., Nature Reviews Immunology, 2015). These receptors are central to the adaptive immune response, as their engagement by viral antigens triggers intracellular signaling cascades—involving kinases such as Syk and Lyn—that lead to B-cell proliferation, clonal expansion, and differentiation (Andrews et al., Frontiers in Immunology, 2019). This process results in the generation of plasma cells that secrete high-affinity neutralizing antibodies and the formation of long-lived memory B-cells that provide protection against subsequent infections (Victora & Wilson, Cell, 2015). In the context of pharmacology, these receptors are the primary targets for influenza vaccines, which aim to elicit a robust and broad antibody response by presenting viral antigens to the BCR repertoire (Corti & Lanzavecchia, Annual Review of Immunology, 2013). Understanding the structural basis of BCR-antigen interactions is critical for the design of next-generation universal influenza vaccines that target conserved, non-immunodominant regions of the virus to provide cross-strain protection. The diversity of the BCR repertoire and the phenomenon of immune imprinting, or original antigenic sin, present significant challenges in achieving long-lasting and broad-spectrum immunity through vaccination (Zhang et al., Nature Communications, 2019).

Other names

Influenza-specific B-cell receptorAnti-influenza BCRSurface immunoglobulin specific for influenzaInfluenza antigen-binding B-cell receptor

Antigen-mediated BCR cross-linking and activation of downstream signaling pathways (e.g., Lyn, Syk, PLCγ2) leading to B-cell differentiation, antibody secretion, and memory formation (Kurosaki et al., 2015).