Biochemical basis of B cell dysfunction in Lyn kinase deficient mice

Abstract

© 2003 Dr. Yuekang XuB lymphocytes constitutes an important arm of the immune system, and their response to antigen is largely dependent upon signal transduction through the B cell receptor (BCR). Such a potent receptor, however, needs to be further balanced by positive and negative regulators to prevent harmful effects that may arise from inappropriate stimulation. Src family protein tyrosine kinase Lyn is involved in both positive and negative regulation, since the both gain-of-function Lyn and loss-of-function Lyn mutations caused autoimmunity in mice. The exact signalling pathway(s) regulated by Lyn in B cells, however, are still not clear. Work presented in this thesis attempts to elucidate the biochemical mechanisms that underline the double-edged nature of Lyn in BCR signalling. (For complete abstract open document