CD79b, also known as B-cell antigen receptor complex-associated protein beta chain (BCAP), is a protein encoded by the CD79B gene on chromosome 17q23. It consists of approximately 229 amino acids and has a molecular weight of around 25 kDa. CD79b is a transmembrane protein located in the cell membrane of B lymphocytes. This protein is crucial for signal transduction in B cells, as it forms a complex with CD79a to constitute the B-cell receptor (BCR) complex, which recognizes and binds antigens. The primary function of CD79b is to transduce signals from the BCR upon antigen binding, initiating intracellular signaling cascades that ultimately lead to B-cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation. CD79b contains immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) in its cytoplasmic domain, which are phosphorylated upon BCR engagement, leading to the recruitment and activation of downstream signaling molecules such as Src family kinases and Syk kinase. This signaling pathway initiates a series of events critical for B-cell function and immune responses.
CD79b is predominantly expressed in B cells throughout various stages of development, including mature B cells and plasma cells. Its expression is tightly regulated during B-cell development and activation, with levels varying based on the developmental stage and activation status of B cells. CD79b expression can be modulated by various factors, including cytokines, growth factors, and antigenic stimulation, which regulate B-cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation. Mutations in the CD79B gene have been associated with certain B-cell malignancies, particularly in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
CD79b, a crucial component of the B-cell receptor (BCR) complex primarily found in B cells, is not typically employed as a standalone biomarker; however, alterations in its expression or mutations in its encoding gene may hold diagnostic or prognostic significance in certain cancers and diseases, particularly B-cell malignancies. In diffuse large DLBCL and Burkitt lymphoma, CD79b expression detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in tumor biopsies confirms the B-cell lineage and aids differential diagnosis. Flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood or bone marrow samples also utilizes CD79b expression for identifying and characterizing B-cell populations, notably in hematological malignancies. CD79b’s prognostic value is observed in DLBCL, where lower expression levels correlate with poor outcomes, suggesting its potential role in disease progression.
These mutations may result in aberrant BCR signaling and dysregulated B-cell proliferation, contributing to the pathogenesis of these diseases. Additionally, CD79b expression levels have been used as diagnostic markers in certain B-cell lymphomas, where aberrant expression patterns may aid in disease classification and prognostication.
NeoBiotechnologies offers a variety of antibodies against CD79b that have been validated for ELISA, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting, as well as a HuProt-validated option. Additionally, we hold exclusive rights to CD79b antibodies available for licensing or collaboration [https://www.neobiotechnologies.com/gene-name/cd79b/].
Synonyms
B-cell antigen receptor complex-associated protein beta chain, B-cell-specific glycoprotein B29, Ig-beta, Immunoglobulin-associated B29 protein, AGM6; B-cell antigen receptor complex-associated protein beta chain; B-cell-specific glycoprotein B29; B29; B29/Ig-beta/CD79b; CD79b; Ig-beta; IGB; Immunoglobulin-associated B29 protein
Research Areas
Immunology, B Cell Markers, Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Infectious Disease
