Regulation of B Cell Activation by PECAM-1: Implications for the Development of Autoimmune Disorders

Title: Regulation of B Cell Activation by PECAM-1: Implications for the Development of Autoimmune Disorders

Volume: 10 Issue: 2

Author(s): Mae-Xhum Wong and Denise E. Jackson

Affiliation:

Keywords: PECAM-1, autoimmune disease, B-cell, T-cell

Abstract: Regulation of B-cell development and activation is imperative to the myriad of activities that perpetuate humoral immunity. This T-cell dependent immune mechanism often relies upon the maintenance of T-cell tolerance, such that the maturity of the antigen-presentating cell, its function and molecular mimicry are contributing factors. Recent findings have implicated the involvement of the B-cell and their corresponding surface co-receptors in regulating autoimmune disease. One candidate receptor, PECAM-1, has demonstrated the ability to downregulate both B and T-cell signalling pathways. The deletion of PECAM-1 in mice has led to a hyper-responsive B-cell phenotype with abnormal Bcell development. Additionally, in vivo functional studies have found that absence of PECAM-1 results in an increased susceptibility to autoimmune disorders of encephalomyelitis and Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Taken together, these findings indicate that PECAM-1 may have an important role in maintaining B-cell tolerance and regulatory function in preventing the onset of autoimmune disease. Elucidating the mechanisms of PECAM-1 function in autoimmune disorders could facilitate development of novel therapeutics.

Cite this article as:

Wong Mae-Xhum and Jackson E. Denise, Regulation of B Cell Activation by PECAM-1: Implications for the Development of Autoimmune Disorders, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2004; 10 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612043453504