Adaptive Immunity and Antibody Structure in Biosci107

Adaptive immunity

Immune response evolving over time for efficiency.

Immune memory

Long-lasting protection against previously encountered pathogens.

Ig domain

Basic structural unit of antibodies, shaped like β-barrel.

Antibody classes

Five types, each with distinct functions in immunity.

Affinity

Strength of binding between antigen and receptor.

Avidity

Overall strength of binding from multiple interactions.

Genetic recombination

Process generating diversity in antibody genes.

Clonal selection

Process where specific B cells expand upon antigen exposure.

Affinity maturation

Improvement of B cell receptor affinity over time.

Lymph node

Organ where immune responses and B cell activation occur.

Germinal centre

Site in lymph nodes for B cell proliferation and maturation.

Vaccination

Inducing immunity through exposure to harmless antigens.

IgM

First antibody produced by naive B cells.

Transposition

Movement of genetic material within a genome.

Transposase

Enzyme facilitating gene repositioning during transposition.

Recognition sequences

Conserved DNA sequences recognized by transposase.

BCR

B cell receptor, specific for antigens.

TCR

T cell receptor, recognizes antigens presented by MHC.

Somatic hypermutation

Random mutations in B cell genes for affinity improvement.

Plasma cell

B cell that secretes antibodies after activation.

Memory B cell

Long-lived B cell ready to respond to future infections.

Complement component C1

Protein that binds to antibodies, initiating complement cascade.

Herd immunity

Community protection when a significant population is vaccinated.

DTaP vaccine

Vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

Bordetella pertussis

Bacteria causing whooping cough, spread via respiratory droplets.

Antigen binding site

Region on antibody that specifically binds to antigens.

Variable domain

N-terminal region of antibodies containing antigen binding site.

Hypervariable loops

Regions contributing to variability in antigen binding sites.

Naïve B cell

Unactivated B cell with unique antigen specificity.

Inactivated toxin

Modified toxin used in vaccines to stimulate immunity.