Pillai explains how earlier in his career he discovered that two surrogate light chains bind to the heavy chain in pre-B cells to create the pre-B cell receptor (pre-BCR). He showed that binding of the surrogate chains facilitates the formation of the pre-BCR that is needed for B cell development. Pillai demonstrated that the pre-BCR signals through Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (Btk). Patients with non-functional Btk manifest signs of immunodeficiency and deficiency of B-cells in the blood, which shows the importance of pre-BCR signaling for proper B-cell development.
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B Cell Development, Fundamental Questions in Immunology
Shiv Pillai provides a historical perspective on the steps that led to formulate today’s model on how the immune system works and outlines the underpinnings of B cell development. (Talk recorded in March 2018)
- Part 1: Early B Cell Development: A Look at the Defining Questions in ImmunologyAudience:
- Student
- Researcher
- Educators of H. School / Intro Undergrad
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 00:37:30 - Part 2: Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Signaling: The pre-B Cell Receptor and B Cell DifferentiationAudience:
- Researcher
- Educators of H. School / Intro Undergrad
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 00:23:27 - Part 3: IgG4-Related Disease: Collaboration Between B and T CellsAudience:
- Researcher
- Educators of H. School / Intro Undergrad
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 00:26:54