CD151 interacts with integrin beta 2 in B cell lymphomas.

CD151 is a broadly expressed four-transmembrane protein (tetraspanin) that interacts with laminin-binding integrins like integrin alpha 3 (ITGA3). CD151 drives tumor development and expression correlates with poor prognosis in solid cancers, but CD151 has not been studied in B cell malignancies. We investigated CD151 expression on normal human B cells and B cell lymphomas using highly sensitive flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.

CD70 recruitment to the immunological synapse is dependent on CD20 in B cells.

CD20 is a four-transmembrane protein expressed at the surface of B cells from late pro-B cells to memory B cells, with the exception of plasma cells. Its expression pattern makes it an attractive therapeutic target for different B cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Despite the clinical success of CD20-targeting antibodies, the biology of the CD20 protein is still not well understood.

Tetraspanin CD53 controls T cell immunity through regulation of CD45RO stability, mobility, and function.

T cells depend on the phosphatase CD45 to initiate T cell receptor signaling. Although the critical role of CD45 in T cells is established, the mechanisms controlling function and localization in the membrane are not well understood. Moreover, the regulation of specific CD45 isoforms in T cell signaling remains unresolved.

Podoplanin drives dedifferentiation and amoeboid invasion of melanoma.

Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer developing from melanocytes, frequently resulting in metastatic disease. Melanoma cells utilize amoeboid migration as mode of local invasion. Amoeboid invasion is characterized by rounded cell morphology and high actomyosin contractility driven by Rho GTPase signalling.

Improving Therapeutic CD20 Antibodies Requires Insight into Their Mechanism of Action.

CD20-targeting antibodies are the current standard of care for patients with mature B-cell malignancies. However, many patients relapse or develop therapy resistance, which emphasizes the urgent need for new therapies. Here, we provide an overview of the biology of the CD20 protein and the mechanisms of action of CD20 antibodies currently used in the clinic.

Dynamic Plasma Membrane Organization: A Complex Symphony.

Membrane protein organization is essential for proper cellular functioning and the result of a dynamic exchange between protein monomers, nanoscale protein clusters, and microscale higher-order structures. This exchange is affected by both lipid bilayer intrinsic factors, such as lipid rafts and tetraspanins, and extrinsic factors, such as cortical actin and galectins. Because membrane organizers act jointly like instruments in a symphony, it is challenging to define the 'key' organizers.