Humoral Response Flashcards
(10 cards)
What do B lymphocytes recognise?
Free antigens e.g. in blood or tissues not just antigen presenting cells.
Describe the humoral response.
1)Clonal selection. Specific B lymphocyte with complementary receptor binds to antigen. This is stimulated by helper T cells. So divides rapidly by mitosis to form clones.
2)Some differentiate into memory B cells - remain in the blood for secondary immune response.
3)Some differentiate into B plasma cells - secrete large amounts of monoclonal antibody.
What are antibodies?
Quaternary structure proteins that are secreted by B lymphocyte and bind specifically to antigens form antigen-antibody complexes.
Explain the difference between the primary and secondary immune response.
Primary - first exposure to antigen. Antibodies produced slowly and at a lower concentration. It takes time for the specific B plasma cells to be stimulated to produce specific antibodies. Memory cells are produced.
Secondary - Second exposure to antigen. Antibodies produced faster and at a high concentration. B memory cells rapidly undergo mitosis to produce many plasma cells which produce specific antibodies.
Where are B cells made and mature?
Bone marrow
What does the humoral response involve?
B cells and antibodies.
Describe agglutination.
Antibodies are flexible and can bind to multiple antigens to clump them together. This makes it easier for phagocytes to locate and destroy the pathogens.
What is the difference between memory B cells and plasma B cells?
Memory B cells are long lived whereas plasma B cells are short lived.
