BCells and Humoral Immunity Flashcards
What is involved in humoral immunity?
B Cells
Antibodies present in bodily fluid
What do BCells respond to?
Foreign material outside the body cells
How many types of BCells is there?
10 million
Each type produces a different antibody that respond to a different antigen
What do BCells can develop into?
Plasma cells
Memory cells
Clonal selection
Cloning the antibody
Allows the body to respond quickly to antigens
What do plasma cells do?
Creation and release antibodies
Secrete antibodies into blood plasma
How long do plasm cells survive?
A few days
How many antibodies do plasma cells make per sec?
2000
Do plasma cells provide long term immunity?
No, they are only a primary immune response. Immediate defence only, destroys pathogens and toxins
How long can memory cells last for?
Decades
Where do memory cells circulate?
Blood and tissues
What happens when a memory cell encounters the same pathogen?
They divide rapidly into more plasma and memory cells to immediately fight the infection. The new plasma cells produce antibodies and new memory cells circulate and provide long term immunity
Compare secondary and primary immune response?
Secondary faster and more intense than primary response. The 2nd response allows us to fight the infection before any symptoms occur
