B Cells Notes

B Cell Receptors (BCR) bind to __________ structures of an antigen.

3D

B-cell receptors are made up of __________ and __________ chains.

heavy and light

Heavy chains found on chromosome _____ and light chains found on chromosomes _____ and _____.

14, 2, 22

BCR genes are also known as __________ genes.

Immunoglobulin (Ig)

What is the function of B-cell receptors (BCR)?

To recognize and bind to specific antigens, initiating an immune response.

Where are B-cell receptors primarily found?

On the surface of B-cells.

What type of antigen can BCRs bind to?

Proteins, polysaccharides, and other macromolecules.

B-cell receptors undergo ________ to increase their affinity for antigens.

Affinity maturation

What is the significance of the variable region in BCRs?

It determines the specificity of the BCR for a particular antigen.

How do B cells contribute to immunity?

By producing antibodies upon activation.

What are the two main types of light chains in BCRs?

Kappa and lambda.

What process do B cells undergo after antigen recognition?

Clonal expansion and differentiation into plasma cells.

What role do plasma cells play in the immune response?

Plasma cells produce and secrete large quantities of antibodies.

What are memory B cells?

B cells that remain in the body after an infection has been cleared, ready to respond quicker upon re-exposure to the same antigen.

How do antibodies function in the immune response?

Antibodies bind to specific antigens to neutralize pathogens, mark them for destruction, or block their interactions with host cells.

What is somatic hypermutation in B cells?

A process that introduces mutations in the variable region of BCR genes, enhancing the affinity of antibodies for their specific antigens.

How do T helper cells assist B cells?

T helper cells provide signals that stimulate B cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation.

What is antigen presentation?

The process by which antigen-presenting cells (APCs) display antigen fragments on their surface for recognition by T cells.

What are the two main classes of antibodies?

IgG and IgM.

What is the primary antibody produced during the primary immune response?

IgM.

What is the role of cytokines in B cell function?

Cytokines are signaling molecules that help regulate the immune response, including B cell activation and differentiation.