Mediaspace scheduled maintenance: Aug 25, 2026 07:00 - 12:00 AM. During this time, videos will be temporarily unavailable. Check status updates.

Lecture

Lymphocytic B and T Cell Receptors

In course

BIO-310: Immunology

Ce cours décrit le fonctionnement du système immunitaire humain et les bases immunologiques de la vaccination, de la transplantation, de l'immunothérapie, et de l'allergie. Il présente aussi le rôle des cellules souches dans la formation des tissus, notamm ...

Description

This lecture covers the generation of B and T cell repertoires, focusing on the B and T lymphocytic receptors. The B cell receptor (BCR) is a membrane-bound immunoglobulin responsible for antigen binding and B cell activation. The BCR interacts with a co-receptor called CD79, containing ITAM motifs for signaling. The T cell receptor (TCR) is composed of alpha and beta chains connected by a disulfide bridge, recognizing antigens presented by Mhc molecules. The TCR also interacts with a co-receptor, CD3, essential for T cell activation. Other lymphoid cells expressing antigen receptors, such as gamma delta T cells and NKT cells, are briefly mentioned. A comparison between BCR and TCR highlights their structural differences and antigen recognition specificities.

In MOOC

Introduction to immunology (part 1)

Instructors (2)

Bruno Lemaitre

David Michael Suter

Official source

Quiz

Ontological neighbourhood

Health sciences

Immunology: Immune system

Related concepts (24)

Antigen presentation

Antigen presentation is a vital immune process that is essential for T cell immune response triggering. Because T cells recognize only fragmented antigens displayed on cell surfaces, antigen processing must occur before the antigen fragment, now bound to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), is transported to the surface of the cell, a process known as presentation, where it can be recognized by a T-cell receptor. If there has been an infection with viruses or bacteria, the cell will present an endogenous or exogenous peptide fragment derived from the antigen by MHC molecules.

Lymphocyte

A lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell (leukocyte) in the immune system of most vertebrates. Lymphocytes include T cells (for cell-mediated, cytotoxic adaptive immunity), B cells (for humoral, antibody-driven adaptive immunity), and Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) ("innate T cell-like" cells involved in mucosal immunity and homeostasis), of which natural killer cells are an important subtype (which functions in cell-mediated, cytotoxic innate immunity).

Antigen-presenting cell

An antigen-presenting cell (APC) or accessory cell is a cell that displays antigen bound by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins on its surface; this process is known as antigen presentation. T cells may recognize these complexes using their T cell receptors (TCRs). APCs process antigens and present them to T-cells. Almost all cell types can present antigens in some way. They are found in a variety of tissue types.

Major histocompatibility complex

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a large locus on vertebrate DNA containing a set of closely linked polymorphic genes that code for cell surface proteins essential for the adaptive immune system. These cell surface proteins are called MHC molecules. The name of this locus comes from its discovery through the study of transplanted tissue compatibility. Later studies revealed that tissue rejection due to incompatibility is only a facet of the full function of MHC molecules: binding an antigen derived from self-proteins, or from pathogens, and bringing the antigen presentation to the cell surface for recognition by the appropriate T-cells.

Fc receptor

In immunology, a Fc receptor is a protein found on the surface of certain cells – including, among others, B lymphocytes, follicular dendritic cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, human platelets, and mast cells – that contribute to the protective functions of the immune system. Its name is derived from its binding specificity for a part of an antibody known as the Fc (fragment crystallizable) region. Fc receptors bind to antibodies that are attached to infected cells or invading pathogens.

Related lectures (32)

Adaptive Immune Response: Steps and Activation MOOC: Introduction to immunology (part 1)

Explores the steps and phases of the adaptive immune response.

Immune System Defense

Explores the immune system's defense mechanisms, including epithelial barriers, innate immunity, adaptive immunity, B and T cells, antibodies, and immunological memory.

B Cell T-Dependent Activation: Response and Signaling MOOC: Introduction to immunology (part 1)

Explores B cell activation in response to T-dependent antigens, including signal transduction and antigen presentation to T cells.

ELISA: Antibody Detection

Explains ELISA principles, monoclonal antibodies, T cell receptors, clonal immune system, and flow cytometry.

Immune System: T Cells and Antigen Presentation