Interference with Immunoglobulin (Ig)α Immunoreceptor Tyrosine–Based Activation Motif (Itam) Phosphorylation Modulates or Blocks B Cell Development, Depending on the Availability of an Igβ Cytoplasmic Tail

To determine the function of immunoglobulin (Ig)α immunoreceptor tyrosine–based activation motif (ITAM) phosphorylation, we generated mice in which Igα ITAM tyrosines were replaced by phenylalanines (Igα(FF/FF)). Igα(FF/FF)mice had a specific reduction of B1 and marginal zone B cells, whereas B2 cell development appeared to be normal, except that λ1 light chain usage was increased. The mutants responded less efficiently to T cell–dependent antigens, whereas T cell–independent responses were unaffected. Upon B cell receptor ligation, the cells exhibited heightened calcium flux, weaker Lyn and Syk tyrosine phosphorylation, and phosphorylation of Igα non-ITAM tyrosines. Strikingly, when the Igα ITAM mutation was combined with a truncation of Igβ, B cell development was completely blocked at the pro-B cell stage, indicating a crucial role of ITAM phosphorylation in B cell development.