B-cell receptor specific for Yersinia pestis F1 and V antigens (BCR-F1/V)

B-cell receptors (BCRs) specific for F1 and V epitopes are specialized membrane-bound immunoglobulins on B-lymphocytes that recognize the Fraction 1 (F1) capsular protein and the LcrV (V) antigen of Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague (Smiley, 2008). The F1 antigen is a structural protein that forms the bacterial capsule, which is essential for resisting phagocytosis by host macrophages, while the V antigen is a critical regulatory component of the Type III secretion system (T3SS) that facilitates the injection of effector proteins into host cells and modulates the host immune response by inducing immunosuppressive cytokines (Heath et al., 1998). These BCRs serve as the primary recognition sites for recombinant vaccines, such as the rF1-V fusion protein, which are designed to elicit a robust and protective humoral immune response (Quenee et al., 2008). Upon binding their respective epitopes, these receptors trigger signal transduction pathways that lead to B-cell proliferation and the secretion of high-affinity antibodies. These antibodies provide protection by neutralizing the pathogen's virulence factors, opsonizing the bacteria for clearance, and blocking the function of the T3SS, which is vital for the pathogen's survival and pathogenesis within the host.

Other names

Anti-F1/V B-cell receptorYersinia pestis antigen-specific BCRF1-V specific B-lymphocyte receptorCaf1/LcrV-specific B-cell receptor

Binding of F1 and V antigens to these receptors induces B-cell differentiation into plasma cells that secrete neutralizing antibodies, which block bacterial adhesion, inhibit the Type III secretion system, and promote opsonophagocytosis.