Required in cooperation with CD79B for initiation of the signal transduction cascade activated by binding of antigen to the B-cell antigen receptor complex (BCR) which leads to internalization of the complex, trafficking to late endosomes and antigen presentation. Also required for BCR surface expression and for efficient differentiation of pro- and pre-B-cells. Stimulates SYK autophosphorylation and activation. Binds to BLNK, bringing BLNK into proximity with SYK and allowing SYK to phosphorylate BLNK. Also interacts with and increases activity of some Src-family tyrosine kinases. Represses BCR signaling during development of immature B-cells. Heterodimer of alpha and beta chains; disulfide-linked. Part of the B-cell antigen receptor complex where the alpha/beta chain heterodimer is non-covalently associated with an antigen-specific membrane-bound surface immunoglobulin of two heavy chains and two light chains. Interacts through its phosphorylated ITAM domain with the SH2 domains of SYK which stimulates SYK autophosphorylation and activation. Also interacts, when phosphorylated on Tyr-204, with the SH2 domain of BLNK/SLP65, bringing BLNK into proximity with SYK and allowing SYK to phosphorylate BLNK which is necessary for trafficking of the BCR to late endosomes. Interacts with Src-family tyrosine kinases including FYN and LYN, increasing their activity. Following antigen binding, the BCR has been shown to translocate from detergent-soluble regions of the cell membrane to lipid rafts although signal transduction through the complex can also occur outside lipid rafts. B-cells. Phosphorylated on tyrosine, serine and threonine residues upon B-cell activation. Phosphorylation of tyrosine residues by Src-family kinases, including LYN, is an early and essential feature of the BCR signaling cascade. The phosphorylated tyrosines serve as docking sites for SH2-domain containing kinases, leading to their activation which in turn leads to phosphorylation of downstream targets. Phosphorylation of serine and threonine residues may prevent subsequent tyrosine phosphorylation. Arginine methylation in the ITAM domain may interfere with the binding of SYK. It promotes signals leading to B-cell differentiation. Mice display impaired B-cell development which does not progress pass the progenitor stage.