10.3389/fimmu.2019.00415.s005 Niels J. M. Verstegen Niels J. M. Verstegen Peter-Paul A. Unger Peter-Paul A. Unger Julia Z. Walker Julia Z. Walker Benoit P. Nicolet Benoit P. Nicolet Tineke Jorritsma Tineke Jorritsma Jos van Rijssel Jos van Rijssel Robbert M. Spaapen Robbert M. Spaapen Jelle de Wit Jelle de Wit Jaap D. van Buul Jaap D. van Buul Anja ten Brinke Anja ten Brinke S. Marieke van Ham S. Marieke van Ham Image_5_Human B Cells Engage the NCK/PI3K/RAC1 Axis to Internalize Large Particles via the IgM-BCR.TIF Frontiers 2019 B cell CRISPR internalization signaling pathway large antigen-containing particle 2019-03-13 15:50:31 Figure https://frontiersin.figshare.com/articles/figure/Image_5_Human_B_Cells_Engage_the_NCK_PI3K_RAC1_Axis_to_Internalize_Large_Particles_via_the_IgM-BCR_TIF/7837904 <p>Growing evidence indicate that large antigen-containing particles induce potent T cell-dependent high-affinity antibody responses. These responses require large particle internalization after recognition by the B cell receptor (BCR) on B cells. However, the molecular mechanisms governing BCR-mediated internalization remain unclear. Here we use a high-throughput quantitative image analysis approach to discriminate between B cell particle binding and internalization. We systematically show, using small molecule inhibitors, that human B cells require a SYK-dependent IgM-BCR signaling transduction via PI3K to efficiently internalize large anti-IgM-coated particles. IgM-BCR-mediated activation of PI3K involves both the adaptor protein NCK and the co-receptor CD19. Interestingly, we here reveal a strong NCK-dependence without profound requirement of the co-receptor CD19 in B cell responses to large particles. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the IgM-BCR/NCK signaling event facilitates RAC1 activation to promote actin cytoskeleton remodeling necessary for particle engulfment. Thus, we establish NCK/PI3K/RAC1 as an attractive IgM-BCR signaling axis for biological intervention to prevent undesired antibody responses to large particles.</p>