We show that multivalent epitope display on the surface of viral-sized particles functions as a ‘stand-alone’ danger signal by evading inhibitory pathways to trigger a unique mode of B cell receptor signaling. The activation, survival and proliferation of B cells stimulated with particulate antigen is highly enhanced compared with those stimulated with soluble antigen, and does not require co-stimulation from T cells.
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This is a summary of: Brooks, J. F. et al. Molecular basis for potent B cell responses to antigen displayed on particles of viral size. Nat. Immunol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-023-01597-9 (2023).
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Multivalent virus-like epitope display amplifies BCR signaling independent of avidity. Nat Immunol 24, 1610–1611 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-023-01619-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-023-01619-6