Regulation and Function of Cyclin D2 in B Lymphocyte Subsets

Abs produced by B lymphocytes play an essential role in humoral immunity against pathogens. This response is dependent upon the extent of genome replication, which in turn allows clonal expansion of Ag-specific B cell precursors. Thus, there is considerable interest in understanding how naive B cells commit to genome replication following Ag challenge. The BCR is a key regulator of B cell growth responses in the bone marrow and the periphery. The importance of identifying BCR-coupled signaling networks and their cell cycle targets is underscored by the recognition that aberrant cell cycle control can lead to lymphoproliferative disorders or lymphoid malignancies. This review focuses on recent progress toward understanding the function of cyclin D2 in cell cycle control, and in the development of murine B lymphocytes.