B-cell receptor specific for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain (BCR-SARS-CoV-2-S-RBD)

B-cell receptors (BCRs) specific for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) are membrane-bound immunoglobulins that serve as the primary sensors for the virus in the adaptive immune system (Gaebler et al., 2021, Nature). These receptors specifically recognize and bind to epitopes within the RBD, which is the critical region the virus uses to dock with the human ACE2 receptor (Pinto et al., 2020, Nature). Binding of the viral RBD to these BCRs initiates a signaling cascade that drives B-cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation into plasma cells that secrete neutralizing antibodies (Goel et al., 2021, Science). This process is the fundamental mechanism by which vaccines, such as BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273, elicit protective immunity against COVID-19 (Sokal et al., 2021, Immunity). The evolution and somatic hypermutation of these BCRs over time allow the immune system to develop increased potency and breadth against viral variants (Wang et al., 2021, Nature). Consequently, these receptors are central targets for vaccine design and the source for developing therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.

Other names

SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific BCRAnti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD B-cell receptorSpike RBD-specific B-cell receptorSARS-CoV-2 S-RBD BCR

Antigen-induced activation of B-cell receptors leading to clonal expansion, affinity maturation, and differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells and memory B cells.