The surrogate light chain in B-cell development

Immunol Today. 1993 Feb;14(2):60-8. doi: 10.1016/0167-5699(93)90060-X.

Abstract

The proteins encoded by the VpreB and lambda 5 genes associate with each other to form a light (L) chain-like structure, the surrogate L chain. It can form Ig-like complexes with three partners-the classical heavy (H) chain, the DHJHC mu-protein, or the newly discovered p55 chain; these are expressed on the surface of pre-B cells at different stages of development. Here, Fritz Melchers and colleagues review the structures of the VpreB and lambda 5 genes in mouse and their relatives in humans, describe their pattern of expression, and speculate on their possible evolution and functions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Bone Marrow Cells
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Light Chain*
  • Genes, Immunoglobulin*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains / physiology*
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains, Surrogate
  • Immunoglobulin mu-Chains / physiology*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Mutant Strains / genetics
  • Mice, Mutant Strains / immunology
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Conformation
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / biosynthesis*
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / genetics

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains, Surrogate
  • Immunoglobulin mu-Chains
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell