CD79a molecule, immunoglobulin-associated alpha.
Chromosome 19
CD79b molecule, immunoglobulin-associated beta
Chromosome 17
CD79 (Cluster of Differentiation 79) is a transmembrane protein that forms a complex with the B-cell receptor (BCR) and generates a signal following recognition of antigen by the BCR.
CD79 is composed of two distinct chains called CD79A and CD79B (also known as Igα and Igβ.
They form a heterodimer on the surface of a B cell stabilized by disulfide bonding.
CD79a and CD79b are both members of the immunoglobulin superfamily.
Human CD79a is encoded by the mb-1 gene that is located on chromosome 19, and CD79b is encoded by the B29 gene that located on chromosome 17.
Both CD79 chains contain an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif they use to propagate a signal in a B cell.
CD79 serves to be a pan-B cell marker for the detection of B-cell neoplasms.
Tumor cells in some cases of T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma and AML has shown to potentially react positively with CD79 monoclonal antibodies.
Both CD79 chains contain an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif, which may propagate downstream signaling in B-cells.
Mutations in the BCR coreceptor CD79A/B lead to chronic activation of BCR signaling.
CD79 may emerge as an alternative target for the treatment of B-cell-dependent autoimmunity.