CD79a, also known as immunoglobulin-associated alpha (Ig-α), is a protein encoded by the CD79A gene on chromosome 19q13.2. It contains approximately 226 amino acids and has a molecular weight of around 27 kDa. CD79a is primarily a membrane protein, forming a heterodimer with CD79b to constitute the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) complex. The BCR complex is essential for B cell development, activation, and signaling, serving as a key component of the adaptive immune response. CD79a undergoes post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, which regulate its function and downstream signaling pathways.
The main function of CD79a is to transduce signals from the BCR to the intracellular signaling machinery upon antigen recognition. Upon binding to antigen, the BCR complex, consisting of CD79a/CD79b and membrane-bound immunoglobulin (Ig) molecules, undergoes conformational changes and initiates signaling cascades that lead to B cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation. CD79a plays a critical role in B cell receptor-mediated signaling and antigen presentation, thereby coordinating the adaptive immune response to pathogens and foreign antigens.
CD79a is predominantly expressed in B lymphocytes throughout various stages of B cell development, from early progenitors in the bone marrow to mature B cells in peripheral lymphoid organs. Its expression is tightly regulated during B cell differentiation and activation, with dynamic changes observed in response to antigen binding, cytokine stimulation, and cellular differentiation signals. Dysregulation of CD79a expression or function can disrupt B cell receptor signaling and impair immune responses, contributing to immunodeficiency disorders, autoimmune diseases, and B cell malignancies.
CD79a is a biomarker with diagnostic and prognostic value, particularly in B-cell lymphomas and leukemias. As a component of the BCR complex, CD79a is expressed throughout B-cell development and commonly utilized as an immunohistochemical marker to confirm the B-cell lineage of tumor cells in lymphoid malignancies such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma. Its expression aids in distinguishing B-cell lymphomas from other lymphoid malignancies, with abnormal expression patterns indicating B-cell neoplasms. Additionally, CD79a expression levels and patterns may hold prognostic significance, particularly in DLBCL, where intensity and extent of expression may correlate with clinical outcomes and treatment response. Notably, loss or reduced expression of CD79a in B-cell lymphomas may signify a more aggressive disease phenotype and poorer prognosis.
NeoBiotechnologies offers a variety of antibodies against CD79a that have been validated for ELISA, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. Additionally, we hold exclusive rights to CD79a antibodies available for licensing or collaboration [https://www.neobiotechnologies.com/gene-name/cd79a/].
Synonyms
B-cell antigen receptor complex-associated protein alpha chain, Ig-alpha, MB-1 membrane glycoprotein, Membrane-bound immunoglobulin-associated protein, Surface IgM-associated protein, B lymphocyte-specific MB1 protein, B-cell antigen receptor complex-associated protein alpha chain, CD79a molecule immunoglobulin associated alpha, Ig-alpha, IGA, IgM-alpha, Immunoglobulin-associated alpha, Ly54, MB-1 membrane glycoprotein, Membrane-bound immunoglobulin-associated protein, Surface IgM-associated protein
Research Areas
Immunology, B Cell Markers, Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Infectious Disease, Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation
