CD79B, also known as B29, Ig beta, or B cell antigen receptor complex-associated protein beta-chain, is a crucial component of the B cell receptor (BCR) complex. It is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and plays a significant role in the development and function of B cells. CD79B forms a heterodimer with CD79A (Ig alpha), and this complex is essential for the signal transduction of the BCR, which is vital for B cell activation and antibody production .
CD79B is a transmembrane protein with a molecular weight of approximately 36-40 kDa. It consists of an extracellular immunoglobulin-like domain, a single transmembrane region, and a cytoplasmic tail containing immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs). These ITAMs are critical for initiating intracellular signaling cascades upon antigen binding to the BCR .
The CD79A/CD79B heterodimer associates non-covalently with membrane-bound immunoglobulins (IgM, IgD, IgG, IgA, or IgE) to form the BCR complex. This complex is responsible for recognizing specific antigens and triggering B cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation .
Recombinant CD79B is produced using various expression systems, such as Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells or HEK293 cells. The recombinant protein is typically purified to high levels of purity, often exceeding 95%, and is used in various research applications, including structural studies, functional assays, and therapeutic development .
CD79B is widely studied in the context of B cell malignancies, such as B cell lymphomas and leukemias. It is a target for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies, which are engineered to recognize and kill cancerous B cells expressing CD79B . Additionally, CD79B is used in the development of monoclonal antibodies and other therapeutic agents aimed at modulating B cell function in autoimmune diseases and other conditions .