Impairment on the lateral mobility induced by structural changes underlies the functional deficiency of the lupus-associated polymorphism FcγRIIB-T232

The STING inhibitor (ISD-017) reduces glomerulonephritis in 129.B6.Fcgr2b-deficient mice

The absence of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in 129.B6.Fcgr2b-deficient mice rescue lupus phenotypes. The administration of a STING inhibitor (ISD017) into the young 129.B6.Fcgr2b-deficient mice prevents lupus nephritis development. This study mainly aimed to evaluate the effects of STING inhibition (ISD107) on established SLE in mice to prove that ISD017 could be a good therapeutic drug to reverse the already set-up autoimmunity and kidney impairment. Twenty-four-week-old Fcgr2b-deficient mice were treated with cyclophosphamide (25 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, once per week), ISD017 (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, three times per week), or control vehicle for 8 weeks, and were analyzed for phenotypes. Both ISD017 and cyclophosphamide treatment increased long-term survival and reduced the severity of glomerulonephritis in Fcgr2b-deficient mice. While cyclophosphamide reduced activated B cells (B220+GL-7+), ISD017 decreased activated T cells (CD4+CD69+) and neutrophils (Ly6c+Ly6g+) in Fcgr2b-deficient mice. In addition, ISD017 reduced IL-1β and interferon-inducible genes. In summary, ISD017 treatment in symptomatic 129.B6.Fcgr2b-deficient mice reduced the severity of glomerulonephritis and increased long-term survival. ISD017 worked comparably to cyclophosphamide for treating lupus nephritis in 129.B6.Fcgr2b-deficient mice. ISD017 reduced activated T cells and neutrophils, while cyclophosphamide targeted activated B cells. These results suggested that STING inhibitors can potentially be a new therapeutic drug for treating lupus.

Identification and characterization of novel genetic variants in the first Chinese family of mucopolysaccharidosis IIIC (Sanfilippo C syndrome)

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIC (MPS IIIC) is one of inherited lysosomal storage disorders, caused by deficiencies in lysosomal hydrolases degrading acidic mucopolysaccharides. The gene responsible for MPS IIIC is HGSNAT, which encodes an enzyme that catalyses the acetylation of the terminal glucosamine residues of heparan sulfate. So far, few studies have focused on the genetic landscape of MPS IIIC in China, where IIIA and IIIB were the major subtypes. In this study, we utilized whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify novel compound heterozygous variants in the HGSNAT gene from a Chinese patient with typical MPS IIIC symptoms: c.743G>A; p.Gly248Glu and c.1030C>T; p.Arg344Cys. We performed in silico analysis and experimental validation, which confirmed the deleterious pathogenic nature of both variants, as evidenced by the loss of HGSNAT activity and failure of lysosomal localization. To the best of our knowledge, the MPS IIIC is first confirmed by clinical, biochemical and molecular genetic findings in China. Our study thus expands the spectrum of MPS IIIC pathogenic variants, which is of importance to dissect the pathogenesis and to carry out clinical diagnosis of MPS IIIC. Moreover, this study helps to depict the natural history of Chinese MPS IIIC populations.

B cell activation and autoantibody production in autoimmune diseases

B cells are central players in the immune system, responsible for producing antibodies and modulating immune responses. This review explores the intricate relationship between aberrant B cell activation and the development of autoimmune diseases, emphasizing the essential role of B cells in these conditions. We also summarize B cell receptor signaling and Toll-like receptor signaling in B cell activation, as well as their association with autoimmune diseases, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind these associations. Additionally, we explore the clinical observations involving B cell activation and their significance in autoimmune disease management. Various clinical studies related to B cell-targeted therapies are also discussed, offering insights into potential avenues for improving treatment strategies. Overall, this review serves as a resource for researchers and clinicians in the field of immunology and autoimmune diseases, providing a general view of B cell signaling and its role in autoimmunity.

Role of lipid nanodomains for inhibitory FcγRIIb function

The inhibitory Fcγ receptor FcγRIIb is involved in immune regulation and is known to localize to specific regions of the plasma membrane called lipid rafts. Previous studies suggested a link between the altered lateral receptor localization within the plasma membrane and the functional impairment of the FcγRIIb-I232T variant that is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Here, we conducted microsecond all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and IgG binding assays to investigate the lipid nano-environment of FcγRIIb monomers and of the FcγRIIb-I232T mutant within a plasma membrane model, the orientation of the FcγRIIb ectodomain, and its accessibility to IgG ligands. In contrast to previously proposed models, our simulations indicated that FcγRIIb does not favor a cholesterol- or a sphingolipid-enriched lipid environment. Interestingly, cholesterol was depleted for all studied FcγRIIb variants within a 2-3 nm environment of the receptor, counteracting the usage of raft terminology for models on receptor functionality. Instead, the receptor interacts with lipids that have poly-unsaturated fatty acyl chains and with (poly-) anionic lipids within the cytosolic membrane leaflet. We also found that FcγRIIb monomers adopt a conformation that is not suitable for binding to its IgG ligand, consistent with a lack of detectable binding of monomeric IgG in experiments on primary immune cells. However, our results propose that multivalent IgG complexes might stabilize FcγRIIb in a binding-competent conformation. We suggest differences in receptor complex formation within the membrane as a plausible cause of the altered membrane localization or clustering and the altered suppressive function of the FcγRIIb-I232T variant.

Physical-Chemical Regulation of Membrane Receptors Dynamics in Viral Invasion and Immune Defense

Mechanical cues dynamically regulate membrane receptors functions to trigger various physiological and pathological processes from viral invasion to immune defense. These cues mainly include various types of dynamic mechanical forces and the spatial confinement of plasma membrane. However, the molecular mechanisms of how they couple with biochemical cues in regulating membrane receptors functions still remain mysterious. Here, we review recent advances in methodologies of single-molecule biomechanical techniques and in novel biomechanical regulatory mechanisms of critical ligand recognition of viral and immune receptors including SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, T cell receptor (TCR) and other co-stimulatory immune receptors. Furthermore, we provide our perspectives of the general principle of how force-dependent kinetics determine the dynamic functions of membrane receptors and of biomechanical-mechanism-driven SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody design and TCR engineering for T-cell-based therapies.

FcɣRIIB regulates autoantibody responses by limiting marginal zone B cell activation

FcɣRIIB is an inhibitory receptor expressed throughout B cell development. Diminished expression or function is associated with lupus in mice and humans, in particular through an effect on autoantibody production and plasma cell differentiation. Here, we analysed the effect of B cell-intrinsic FcɣRIIB expression on B cell activation and plasma cell differentiation. Loss of FcɣRIIB on B cells (Fcgr2b cKO mice) led to a spontaneous increase in autoantibody titers. This increase was most striking for IgG3, suggestive of increased extrafollicular responses. Marginal zone (MZ) B cells had the highest expression of FcɣRIIB in both mouse and human. This high expression of FcɣRIIB was linked to increased MZ B cell activation, Erk phosphorylation, and calcium fluxin the absence of FcɣRIIB triggering. Marked increases in IgG3+ plasma cells and B cells were observed during extrafollicular plasma cell responses in Fcgr2b cKO mice. The increased IgG3 response following immunization of Fcgr2b cKO mice was lost in MZ-deficient Notch2/Fcgr2b cKO mice. Importantly, SLE patients exhibited decreased expression of FcɣRIIB, most strongly in MZ B cells. Thus, we present a model where high FcɣRIIB expression in MZ B cells prevents their hyperactivation and ensuing autoimmunity.

External cues to drive B cell function towards immunotherapy

Immunotherapy stands out as a powerful and promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of cancer, infections, and autoimmune diseases. Adoptive immune therapies are usually centered on modified T cells and their specific expansion towards antigen-specific T cells against cancer and other diseases. However, despite their unmatched features, the potential of B cells in immunotherapy is just beginning to be explored. The main role of B cells in the immune response is to secrete antigen-specific antibodies and provide long-term protection against foreign pathogens. They further function as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and secrete pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and thus exert positive and negative regulatory stimuli on other cells involved in the immune response such as T cells. Therefore, while hyperactivation of B cells can cause autoimmunity, their dysfunctions lead to severe immunodeficiencies. Only suitably activated B cells can play an active role in the treatment of cancers, infections, and autoimmune diseases. As a result, studies have focused on B cell-targeted immunotherapies in recent years. For this, the development, functions, interactions with the microenvironment, and clinical importance of B cells should be well understood. In this review, we summarize the main events during B cell activation. From the viewpoint of mechanobiology we discuss the translation of external cues such as surface topology, substrate stiffness, and biochemical signaling into B cell functions. We further dive into current B cell-targeted therapy strategies and their clinical applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: B cells are proving as a promising tool in the field of immunotherapy. B cells exhibit various functions such as antibody production, antigen presentation or secretion of immune-regulatory factors which can be utilized in the fight against oncological or immunological disorders. In this review we discuss the importance of external mechanobiological cues such as surface topology, substrate stiffness, and biochemical signaling on B cell function. We further summarize B cell-targeted therapy strategies and their clinical applications, as in the context of anti-tumor responses and autoimmune diseases.

WASP family proteins regulate the mobility of the B cell receptor during signaling activation

Regulation of membrane receptor mobility tunes cellular response to external signals, such as in binding of B cell receptors (BCR) to antigen, which initiates signaling. However, whether BCR signaling is regulated by BCR mobility, and what factors mediate this regulation, are not well understood. Here we use single molecule imaging to examine BCR movement during signaling activation and a novel machine learning method to classify BCR trajectories into distinct diffusive states. Inhibition of actin dynamics downstream of the actin nucleating factors, Arp2/3 and formin, decreases BCR mobility. Constitutive loss or acute inhibition of the Arp2/3 regulator, N-WASP, which is associated with enhanced signaling, increases the proportion of BCR trajectories with lower diffusivity. Furthermore, loss of N-WASP reduces the diffusivity of CD19, a stimulatory co-receptor, but not that of FcγRIIB, an inhibitory co-receptor. Our results implicate a dynamic actin network in fine-tuning receptor mobility and receptor-ligand interactions for modulating B cell signaling.

B cell receptors (BCR) capture antigen and initiate downstream antibody responses, but whether and how BCR signaling is regulated by BCR mobility is still unclear. Here the authors show, using single molecule imaging and machine learning analyses, that BCR and CD19 mobility is modulated by the actin nucleation regulators Arp2/3 and N-WASP to control BCR signaling.

Structural and immunogenomic insights into B-cell receptor activation

B cells express B-cell receptors (BCRs) which recognize antigen to trigger signaling cascades for B-cell activation and subsequent antibody production. BCR activation has a crucial influence on B-cell fate. How BCR is activated upon encountering antigen remains to be solved, although tremendous progresses have been achieved in the past few years. Here, we summarize the models that have been proposed to explain BCR activation, including the cross-linking model, the conformation-induced oligomerization model, the dissociation activation model, and the conformational change model. Especially, we elucidate the partially resolved structures of antibodies and/or BCRs by far and discusse how these current structural and further immunogenomic messages and more importantly the future studies may shed light on the explanation of BCR activation and the relevant diseases in the case of dysregulation.

Autoimmune diseases in China

Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systematic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome, are a group of diseases characterized by the activation of immune cells and excessive production of autoantibodies. Although the pathogenesis of these diseases is still not completely understood, studies have shown that multiple factors including genetics, environment and immune responses play important roles in the development and progression of the diseases. In China, there are great achievements in the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases during the last decades. These studies provide new insight to understand the diseases and also shed light on the development of novel therapy.

FcγRIIB-I232T polymorphic change allosterically suppresses ligand binding

FcγRIIB binding to its ligand suppresses immune cell activation. A single-nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) change, I232T, in the transmembrane (TM) domain of FcγRIIB loses its suppressive function, which is clinically associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Previously, we reported that I232T tilts FcγRIIB’s TM domain. In this study, combining with molecular dynamics simulations and single-cell FRET assay, we further reveal that such tilting by I232T unexpectedly bends the FcγRIIB’s ectodomain toward plasma membrane to allosterically impede FcγRIIB’s ligand association. I232T substitution reduces in situ two-dimensional binding affinities and association rates of FcγRIIB to interact with its ligands, IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 by three to four folds. This allosteric regulation by an SNP provides an intrinsic molecular mechanism for the functional loss of FcγRIIB-I232T in SLE patients.

Left unchecked the immune system can cause devastating damage to healthy tissue. To prevent this from happening, immune cells have built-in off switches that dampen their activation. One such switch is a protein called FcγRIIB that sits on the outer surface of immune cells and binds to proteins known as antibodies, which are produced as part of the immune response. Its role is to act as a brake on the immune system, and stop it from getting out of control.

Overactive immune cells can lead to autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, also known as SLE for short, which causes damage to the skin, joints and other organs. Previous work suggests that SLE is correlated with a specific mutation in the FcγRIIB gene, but it is unclear how the mutation and the disease are connected.

Proteins are made out of building blocks called amino acids, which have different chemical properties. A swap of one amino acid for another can have big consequences for the structure of a protein. In the case of FcγRIIB, the mutation that correlates with SLE changes an amino acid called isoleucine for another called threonine. Isoleucine does not mix well with water and is commonly found buried in the middle of proteins or inside cell membranes. Threonine, on the other hand, can readily interact with the hydrogen atoms in water and other amino acids.

Hu, Zhang, Sun et al. used computer simulations and imaged single human cells to find out how the isoleucine to threonine change causes immune cells to become over-activated. The experiments revealed that threonine interacts with a nearby amino acid, putting a kink in the FcγRIIB protein. This kink causes the outer part of the FcγRIIB protein to bend towards the immune cell membrane, stopping it from binding to antibodies, and putting a break on immune cells that have become hyper-activated.

There is currently no cure for SLE, but understanding its causes could take us a step closer to better management of the disease. Small molecule drug treatments often target the three-dimensional shape of certain proteins, so understanding the effect of mutations at the molecular level could help with the design of new treatments in the future.

Fc receptor-like 1 intrinsically recruits c-Abl to enhance B cell activation and function

B cell activation is regulated by the stimulatory or inhibitory co-receptors of B cell receptors (BCRs). Here, we investigated the signaling mechanism of Fc receptor-like 1 (FcRL1), a newly identified BCR co-receptor. FcRL1 was passively recruited into B cell immunological synapses upon BCR engagement in the absence of FcRL1 cross-linking, suggesting that FcRL1 may intrinsically regulate B cell activation and function. BCR cross-linking alone led to the phosphorylation of the intracellular Y281ENV motif of FcRL1 to provide a docking site for c-Abl, an SH2 domain-containing kinase. The FcRL1 and c-Abl signaling module, in turn, potently augmented B cell activation and proliferation. FcRL1-deficient mice exhibited markedly impaired formation of extrafollicular plasmablasts and germinal centers, along with decreased antibody production upon antigen stimulation. These findings reveal a critical BCR signal-enhancing function of FcRL1 through its intrinsic recruitment to B cell immunological synapses and subsequent recruitment of c-Abl upon BCR cross-linking.

Imaging: Gear up for mechano-immunology

Immune cells including B and T lymphocytes have a remarkable ability to sense the physical perturbations through their surface expressed receptors. At the advent of modern imaging technologies paired with biophysical methods, we have gained the understanding of mechanical forces exerted by immune cells to perform their functions. This review will go over the imaging techniques already being used to study mechanical forces in immune cells. We will also discuss the dire need for new modern technologies for future work.

IgG and Fcγ Receptors in Intestinal Immunity and Inflammation

Fcγ receptors (FcγR) are cell surface glycoproteins that mediate cellular effector functions of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. Genetic variation in FcγR genes can influence susceptibility to a variety of antibody-mediated autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). More recently, however, genetic studies have implicated altered FcγR signaling in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition classically associated with dysregulated innate and T cell immunity. Specifically, a variant of the activating receptor, FcγRIIA, with low affinity for IgG, confers protection against the development of ulcerative colitis, a subset of IBD, leading to a re-evaluation of the role of IgG and FcγRs in gastrointestinal tract immunity, an organ system traditionally associated with IgA. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of IgG and FcγR function at this unique host-environment interface, from the pathogenesis of colitis and defense against enteropathogens, its contribution to maternal-fetal cross-talk and susceptibility to cancer. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic implications of this information, both in terms of how FcγR signaling pathways may be targeted for the treatment of IBD and how FcγR engagement may influence the efficacy of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in IBD.

The Human FcγRII (CD32) Family of Leukocyte FcR in Health and Disease

FcγRs have been the focus of extensive research due to their key role linking innate and humoral immunity and their implication in both inflammatory and infectious disease. Within the human FcγR family FcγRII (activatory FcγRIIa and FcγRIIc, and inhibitory FcγRIIb) are unique in their ability to signal independent of the common γ chain. Through improved understanding of the structure of these receptors and how this affects their function we may be able to better understand how to target FcγR specific immune activation or inhibition, which will facilitate in the development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in patients where FcγRII activity may be desirable for efficacy. This review is focused on roles of the human FcγRII family members and their link to immunoregulation in healthy individuals and infection, autoimmunity and cancer.

MARCKS regulates tonic and chronic active B cell receptor signaling

Tonic or chronic active B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling is essential for the survival of normal or some malignant B cells, respectively. However, the molecular mechanism regulating the strength of these two types of BCR signaling remains unknown. Here, using high-speed high-resolution single-molecule tracking in live cells, we identified that PKCβ, STIM1, and IP3R1/2/3 molecules affected the lateral Brownian mobile behavior of BCRs on the plasma membrane of quiescent B cells, which was correlated to the strength of BCR signaling. Further mechanistic studies revealed that these three molecules influenced BCR mobility by regulating the membrane tethering of MARCKS to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. Indeed, membrane-untethered or deficiency of MARCKS significantly decreased, while membrane-tethered or overexpression of MARCKS drastically increased the lateral mobility of BCRs. Functional experiments indicated that the membrane-tethered MARCKS suppressed the survival and/or proliferation in both B-cell tumor cells and mouse primary splenic B cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that membrane-tethered MARCKS increased BCR lateral mobility, and thus decreased BCR nanoclustering by disturbing the interaction between cortical F-actin and the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, resulting in the suppression of the strength of both tonic and chronic active BCR signaling. Conclusively, MARCKS is a newly identified molecule regulating the strength of BCR signaling by modulating cytoskeleton and plasma membrane interactions, both in the physiological and pathological conditions, suggesting that MARCKS is a putative target for drug design.

B cell mechanosensing: A mechanistic overview

B cells are essential to the adaptive immune system for providing the humoral immunity against cohorts of pathogens. The presentation of antigen to the B cell receptor (BCR) leads to the initiation of B cell activation, which is a process sensitive to the stiffness features of the substrates presenting the antigens. Mechanosensing of the B cells, potentiated through BCR signaling and the adhesion molecules, efficiently regulates B cell activation, proliferation and subsequent antibody responses. Defects in sensing of the antigen-presenting substrates can lead to the activation of autoreactive B cells in autoimmune diseases. The use of high-resolution, high-speed live-cell imaging along with the sophisticated biophysical materials, has uncovered the mechanisms underlying the initiation of B cell activation within seconds of its engagement with the antigen presenting substrates. In this chapter, we reviewed studies that have contributed to uncover the molecular mechanisms of B cell mechanosensing during the initiation of B cell activation.

IgG3 regulates tissue-like memory B cells in HIV-infected individuals

Immunoglobulin G3 (IgG3) has an uncertain role in the response to infection with and vaccination against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Here we describe a regulatory role for IgG3 in dampening the immune system-activating effects of chronic HIV viremia on B cells. Secreted IgG3 was bound to IgM-expressing B cells in vivo in HIV-infected chronically viremic individuals but not in early-viremic or aviremic individuals. Tissue-like memory (TLM) B cells, a population expanded by persistent HIV viremia, bound large amounts of IgG3. IgG3 induced clustering of B cell antigen receptors (BCRs) on the IgM⁺ B cells, which was mediated by direct interactions between soluble IgG3 and membrane IgM of the BCR (IgM-BCR). The inhibitory IgG receptor CD32b (FcγRIIb), complement component C1q and inflammatory biomarker CRP contributed to the binding of secreted IgG3 onto IgM-expressing B cells of HIV-infected individuals. Notably, IgG3-bound TLM B cells were refractory to IgM-BCR stimulation, thus demonstrating that IgG3 can regulate B cells during chronic activation of the immune system.

Growth of B Cell Receptor Microclusters Is Regulated by PIP2 and PIP3 Equilibrium and Dock2 Recruitment and Activation

The growth of B cell receptor (BCR) microclusters upon antigen stimulation drives B cell activation. Here, we show that PI3K-mediated PIP₃ production is required for the growth of BCR microclusters. This growth is likely inhibited by PTEN and dependent on its plasma membrane binding and lipid phosphatase activities. Mechanistically, we find that PIP₃-dependent recruitment and activation of a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Dock2, is required for the sustained growth of BCR microclusters through remodeling of the F-actin cytoskeleton. As a consequence, Dock2 deficiency significantly disrupts the structure of the B cell immunological synapse. Finally, we find that primary B cells from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients exhibit more prominent BCR and PI3K microclusters than B cells from healthy controls. These results demonstrate the importance of a PI3K- and PTEN-governed PIP₂ and PIP₃ equilibrium in regulating the activation of B cells through Dock2-controlled growth of BCR microclusters.

The Lupus-Associated Fcγ Receptor IIb-I232T Polymorphism Results in Impairment in the Negative Selection of Low-Affinity Germinal Center B Cells Via c-Abl in Mice

Objective

Fcγ receptor IIb (FcγRIIb) is an essential negative regulator of B cells that blocks B cell receptor (BCR) signaling and triggers c‐Abl–dependent apoptosis of B cells. FcγRIIb‐deficient mice display splenomegaly with expansion of B cells, leading to lupus. FcγRIIb‐I232T is a hypofunctional polymorphism associated with lupus susceptibility in humans, an autoimmune disease linked to diminished deletion of autoreactive B cells. In the context of the FcγRIIb‐I232T polymorphism, we investigated the role of FcγRIIb in the deletion of low‐affinity germinal center (GC) B cells, an important mechanism for preventing autoimmunity.

Methods

We generated FcγRIIb^232T/T mice to mimic human FcγRIIb‐I232T carriers and immunized mice with chicken gamma globulin (CGG)–conjugated NP, a T cell–dependent antigen, to examine the response of GC B cells.

Results

Compared to wild‐type (WT) mice, FcγRIIb^232T/T mice showed increased numbers of low‐affinity NP‐specific IgG and NP‐specific B cells and plasma cells; additionally, the expression of a somatic mutation (W33L) in their V_H186.2 genes encoding high‐affinity BCR was reduced. Notably, FcγRIIb^232T/T mice had a higher number of GC light zone B cells and showed less apoptosis than WT mice, despite having equivalent follicular helper T cell numbers and function. Moreover, phosphorylation of c‐Abl was reduced in FcγRIIb^232T/T mice, and treatment of WT mice with the c‐Abl inhibitor nilotinib during the peak of GC response resulted in reduced affinity maturation reminiscent of FcγRIIb^232T/T mice.

Conclusion

Our findings provide evidence of a critical role of FcγRIIb/c‐Abl in the negative selection of GC B cells in FcγRIIb^232T/T mice. Importantly, our findings indicate potential benefits of up‐regulating FcγRIIb expression in B cells for treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.

PI(4,5)P2 determines the threshold of mechanical force-induced B cell activation

B lymphocytes use B cell receptors (BCRs) to sense the chemical and physical features of antigens. The activation of isotype-switched IgG-BCR by mechanical force exhibits a distinct sensitivity and threshold in comparison with IgM-BCR. However, molecular mechanisms governing these differences remain to be identified. In this study, we report that the low threshold of IgG-BCR activation by mechanical force is highly dependent on tethering of the cytoplasmic tail of the IgG-BCR heavy chain (IgG-tail) to the plasma membrane. Mechanistically, we show that the positively charged residues in the IgG-tail play a crucial role by highly enriching phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-biphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) into the membrane microdomains of IgG-BCRs. Indeed, manipulating the amounts of PI(4,5)P2 within IgG-BCR membrane microdomains significantly altered the threshold and sensitivity of IgG-BCR activation. Our results reveal a lipid-dependent mechanism for determining the threshold of IgG-BCR activation by mechanical force.

Transmembrane domain dependent inhibitory function of FcγRIIB

FcγRIIB, the only inhibitory IgG Fc receptor, functions to suppress the hyper-activation of immune cells. Numerous studies have illustrated its inhibitory function through the ITIM motif in the cytoplasmic tail of FcγRIIB. However, later studies revealed that in addition to the ITIM, the transmembrane (TM) domain of FcγRIIB is also indispensable for its inhibitory function. Indeed, recent epidemiological studies revealed that a non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (rs1050501) within the TM domain of FcγRIIB, responsible for the I232T substitution, is associated with the susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this review, we will summarize these epidemiological and functional studies of FcγRIIB-I232T in the past few years, and will further discuss the mechanisms accounting for the functional loss of FcγRIIB-I232T. Our review will help the reader gain a deeper understanding of the importance of the TM domain in mediating the inhibitory function of FcγRIIB and may provide insights to a new therapeutic target for the associated diseases.