Pre-B cell receptor signaling mediates selective response to IL-7 at the pro-B to pre-B cell transition via an ERK/MAP kinase-dependent pathway

Immunity. 2001 Oct;15(4):521-31. doi: 10.1016/s1074-7613(01)00216-3.

Abstract

B lymphocyte development is regulated at multiple checkpoints, mediated by signals originating both inside and outside the cell. Two signaling pathways known to be essential in this process are interleukin-7 (IL-7) and the pre-B cell receptor (pBCR). We have shown previously that these signaling pathways intersect functionally. Specifically, response to low concentrations of IL-7 requires pBCR expression. In this report, we identify the ERK/MAP kinase pathway as a key regulatory component of this response. We propose a molecular mechanism for the selective expansion of pBCR(+) precursors and for the culling of inappropriately rearranged pro-B cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Bone Marrow / embryology
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Cell Lineage
  • Cell Survival
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / immunology
  • Interleukin-7 / pharmacology*
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System*
  • Mice
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / physiology*
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Interleukin-7 / metabolism

Substances

  • Interleukin-7
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell
  • Receptors, Interleukin-7
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases