Codes used in "BTG1 mutation yields supercompetitive B cells primed for malignant transformation"

Codes used in the study.

Abstract: Multicellular life requires altruistic cooperation between cells. The adaptive immune system is a notable exception, whereby germinal center B cells vigorously compete for limiting positive selection signals. We show that mutations affecting BTG1 disrupt a critical immune “gate-keeper” mechanism that strictly limits B cell fitness during antibody affinity maturation. This converts germinal center B cells into “super-competitors” that rapidly outstrip their normal counterparts. This effect is conferred by a minute shift in MYC protein induction kinetics yet results in aggressive invasive lymphomas, which in humans link to dire clinical outcomes. Our findings reveal a delicate evolutionary trade-off between natural selection of B cells to provide immunity and dangerous features that recall the more competitive nature of unicellular organisms.