Role of Calcium Signaling in B Cell Activation and Biology

Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 2016:393:143-174. doi: 10.1007/82_2015_477.

Abstract

Increase in intracellular levels of calcium ions (Ca2+) is one of the key triggering signals for the development of B cell response to the antigen. The diverse Ca2+ signals finely controlled by multiple factors participate in the regulation of gene expression, B cell development, and effector functions. B cell receptor (BCR)-initiated Ca2+ mobilization is sourced from two pathways: one is the release of Ca2+ from the intracellular stores, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and other is the prolonged influx of extracellular Ca2+ induced by depleting the stores via store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels. The identification of stromal interaction molecule 1(STIM1), the ER Ca2+ sensor, and Orai1, a key subunit of the CRAC channel pore, has now provided the tools to understand the mode of Ca2+ influx regulation and physiological relevance. Herein, we discuss our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying BCR-triggered Ca2+ signaling as well as its contribution to the B cell biological processes and diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Channels / genetics
  • Calcium Channels / metabolism
  • Calcium Signaling*
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / genetics
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Humans

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Calcium