Introduction

Structure

Antigen Binding Site

The binding of an antigen to the human B Cell receptor is identical to other common soluble antibodies (such as IgG). The antibody portion of the B Cell Receptor is roughly "Y" shaped that consists of two identical heavy and two identical light chains creating two similar epitope or binding regions. Thus, two antigen molecules can bind independent of one another to produce the same response. The heavy chains interact via the constant fragment (Fc). The two heavy chains branch and individually interact with their respective light chain making two Fab fragments which each contain a variable region (Fv). Furthermore, the light chains interact with the heavy chains via weak intermolecular forces and disulfide bridges.

Heavy Chain Interactions (Iga and IgB)

Transmembrane Interactions

Function

Proposed Conformational Changes

Signal Pathway