Death by a thousand knives: Multiple BH3-only proteins are required for maximal apoptosis triggered through the BCR.

The B-cell receptor (BCR) represents a key driver of B-cell development. Consequently, multiple mechanisms link inappropriate BCR signaling to apoptosis. Recently, we characterized the molecular regulators involved in lymphoma cells, confirming a major role for Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death (Bim) and supplementary roles for Bcl-2 interacting killer (Bik) and Noxa, and showing that all 3 proteins are required for maximal apoptosis.