CD79A
CD79A, also known as Ig-alpha, MB-1 or IGA, is the alpha chain of the B-cell antigen receptor complex. It works with CD79B to start the signalling cascade that follows antigen binding to the B-cell receptor (BCR). Browse Assay Genie's current range of CD79A research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
The B lymphocyte antigen receptor is a multimeric complex built around the antigen-specific component, surface immunoglobulin (Ig). Surface Ig associates non-covalently with two other proteins, Ig-alpha and Ig-beta, which are necessary for expression and function of the receptor. CD79A is Ig-alpha. In cooperation with CD79B, it is required to initiate the signal transduction cascade activated when antigen binds the BCR. This leads to internalisation of the complex, trafficking to late endosomes and antigen presentation.
CD79A also supports BCR surface expression and the efficient differentiation of pro- and pre-B-cells. It stimulates SYK autophosphorylation and activation. It binds BLNK, bringing BLNK close to SYK so that SYK can phosphorylate it. It also interacts with, and increases the activity of, some Src-family tyrosine kinases. During the development of immature B-cells it represses BCR signalling.
The human CD79A gene encodes a cell membrane protein. HGNC places it in the CD molecules, V-set domain containing and CD79 molecule family groups. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been described. The gene has also been listed as MB-1 or MB1, and earlier names include CD79A antigen (immunoglobulin-associated alpha). The mouse ortholog is Cd79a.
CD79A initiates the signalling cascade triggered by antigen binding to the BCR, and it activates SYK and some Src-family kinases.
CD79A is required for efficient differentiation of pro- and pre-B-cells and represses BCR signalling in immature B-cells.
CD79A signalling leads to BCR internalisation and trafficking to late endosomes, steps that precede antigen presentation.
Ig-alpha is needed for surface expression of the B-cell antigen receptor, making CD79A relevant to receptor assembly and function.
CD79A is required, with CD79B, to initiate signalling after antigen binds the B-cell receptor. It stimulates SYK autophosphorylation, binds BLNK and increases the activity of some Src-family kinases. It is also required for BCR surface expression and efficient pro- and pre-B-cell differentiation.
CD79A is also called Ig-alpha, MB-1, MB1, IGAlpha and IGA. The HGNC name is CD79a molecule. NCBI Gene reports that alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been described for this gene.
A mouse ortholog, Cd79a, is listed for the human gene. Researchers working with other species should check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity. CD79A belongs to the CD79 molecule family, alongside CD79B, its signalling partner.
Other CD molecules and immune-cell surface markers with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P11912; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.