The CD19/CD21 complex functions to prolong B cell antigen receptor signaling from lipid rafts.

The CD19/CD21 complex functions to significantly enhance B cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling in response to complement-tagged antigens. Recent studies showed that following antigen binding the BCR translocates into plasma membrane lipid rafts that serve as platforms for BCR signaling. Here, we show that the binding of complement-tagged antigens stimulates the translocation of both the BCR and the CD19/CD21 complex into lipid rafts, resulting in prolonged residency in and signaling from the rafts, as compared to BCR cross-linking alone. When coligated to the BCR, the CD19/CD21 complex retards the internalization and degradation of the BCR. The colocalization and stabilization of the BCR and the CD19/CD21 complex in plasma membrane lipid rafts represents a novel mechanism by which a coreceptor enhances BCR signaling.