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PI3K Signaling in Normal B Cells and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Burger, Jan A 

Abstract

B cells provide immunity to extracellular pathogens by secreting a diverse repertoire of antibodies with high affinity and specificity for exposed antigens. The B cell receptor (BCR) is a transmembrane antibody, which facilitates the clonal selection of B cells producing secreted antibodies of the same specificity. The diverse antibody repertoire is generated by V(D)J recombination of heavy and light chain genes, whereas affinity maturation is mediated by activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID)-mediated mutagenesis. These processes, which are essential for the generation of adaptive humoral immunity, also render B cells susceptible to chromosomal rearrangements and point mutations that in some cases lead to cancer. In this chapter, we will review the central role of PI3K s in mediating signals from the B cell receptor that not only facilitate the development of functional B cell repertoire, but also support the growth and survival of neoplastic B cells, focusing on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B cells. Perhaps because of the central role played by PI3K in BCR signaling, B cell leukemia and lymphomas are the first diseases for which a PI3K inhibitor has been approved for clinical use.

Description

Keywords

Animals, B-Lymphocytes, Cell Survival, Humans, Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell, Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases, Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell, Signal Transduction

Journal Title

Curr Top Microbiol Immunol

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0070-217X
2196-9965

Volume Title

393

Publisher

Springer International Publishing