This
volume details our current understanding of the architecture and signaling
capabilities of the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) in health and disease. The
first chapters review new insights into the assembly of BCR components and
their organization on the cell surface. Subsequent contributions focus on the
molecular interactions that connect the BCR with major intracellular signaling
pathways such as Ca2+ mobilization, membrane phospholipid
metabolism, nuclear translocation of NF-kB or
the activation of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase and MAP kinases. These elements
orchestrate cytoplasmic and nuclear responses as well as cytoskeleton dynamics
for antigen internalization. Furthermore, a key mechanism of how B cells
remember their cognate antigen is discussed in detail. Altogether, the discoveries
presented provide a better understanding of B cell biology and help to explain
some B cell-mediated pathogenicities, like autoimmune phenomena or the
formation of B cell tumors, while also paving the way for eventually combating these
diseases.