B cell-specific protein FCRLA is expressed by plasmacytoid dendritic cells in humans.

Background: Fc receptor-like A (FCRLA) is a unique member of a family of Fc receptor like-molecules that lacks a transmembrane region and is an ER-resident protein. In mice and humans, FCRLA has been known as a B cell specific protein. We report here that, in humans, FCRLA is also expressed in a subpopulation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs).

Visualising the membrane viscosity of porcine eye lens cells using molecular rotors.

The plasma membranes of cells within the eye lens play an important role in metabolite transport within the avascular tissue of the lens, maintaining its transparency over the entire lifespan of an individual. Here we use viscosity-sensitive 'molecular rotors' to map the microscopic viscosity within these unusual cell membranes, establishing that they are characterised by an unprecedentedly high degree of lipid organisation.

Development and characterization of domain-specific monoclonal antibodies produced against human SLAMF9.

SLAMF9 is a member of the signaling lymphocyte-activating molecule (SLAM) immunoreceptor family. The SLAM family receptors are expressed in a broad range of immune cells and play an important role in immunity. To date, SLAMF9 is the least studied member of this family.

Characterization of human FCRLA isoforms.

FCRLA is an ER-resident B-cell specific protein. The exact function of this protein remains unclear although human FCRLA has been recently shown to interact with IgM, IgG and IgA. The retention of FCRLA in ER is mediated by the N-terminal domain.

[Expression of human B-cell specific receptor FCRL1 in normal individuals and in patients with autoimmune diseases].

The comparative analysis of expression level of FCRL1 gene encoding human B-cell surface receptor in healthy individuals and patients with autoimmune diseases was carried out. For the expression estimation we used results of DNA dot-hybridization on the membranes, containing cDNA samples from subpopulations of blood cells of patients with autoimmune diseases. The quantitative estimation of hybridization signals showed that expression level of FCRL1 gene in peripheral blood B-lymphocytes was significantly higher in patients with a multiple sclerosis, lupus anticoagulans, Takayasu's arteritis and also in von Willebrand disease than in healthy individuals.