Antibody Mediated Immunity

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on Antibody Mediated Immunity, providing definitions and explanations of essential terms and processes involved in the immune response.

Antibody-Mediated Immunity

Also known as humoral immunity; involves the use of antibodies to tag and indirectly destroy disease agents.

Immunological Memory

Ability of the immune system to remember past infections and respond more rapidly upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.

B Cells

Lymphocytes that express antigen receptors; they can differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies.

Plasma Cells

Activated B cells that function as antibody factories, producing large quantities of antibodies.

Antigen Presentation

The process by which B cells present antigens on MHC II molecules to helper T cells.

Memory B Cells

Long-lived B cells that remain in lymph nodes and can quickly respond to future exposures of the same antigen.

Classes of Antibodies

Five major types: IgD, IgM, IgA, IgG, and IgE, each with distinct roles and properties.

Variable Region of Antibody

The region of an antibody that binds to specific antigens, allowing for billions of possible combinations.

Cytotoxic T Cells

T lymphocytes that directly attack and destroy infected or abnormal cells.

Activation of B Cells

Occurs through helper T-cell dependent or independent mechanisms leading to proliferation and differentiation.

Agglutination

The clumping together of pathogens by antibodies, which helps in their destruction by immune cells.

Complement Activation

A series of proteins that work together to destroy pathogens; can be activated by antibodies.