immunology block a (part 1)

Question 1

describe the structure of antibodies

Answer 1

contains a constant region at the C terminus

variable region at the N terminus

disulphide bonds connecting the two regions

antige binding sites at the VL and VH regions

hinge region and carbohydrates connect structure

Question 2

how are antibodies produced?

Answer 2

b cells bind virus through viral coat protein –> peptides from internal proteins of the virus are presented to the T cell, which activates the B cell –> virus particle is internalized and degraded –> activated B cell produces antibody against viral cell protein

Question 3

how are antibodies generated for use?

Answer 3

if using antibodies to specifically recognise an analyte –> must be as specific as possible and have a high avidity

Question 4

what do multiple immunisations lead to?

Answer 4

both the amount and affinity of Ab in the serum of immunized animals

also results in class switching (more likely to be IgG/IgA)

Question 5

what must be considered when generating antibodies for use?

Answer 5

antigen, adjuvant, and kinetics