B-Cell Development

Flashcards covering key concepts related to B-cell development for exam preparation.

B-cell Development

The process by which B-cells mature from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow.

Thymus

An organ where T-cell precursors develop and mature.

HSCs

Hematopoietic stem cells that give rise to all blood cells, including B-cells.

CXCL12

A chemokine required for the transition of pre-pro B cells.

IL-7

A cytokine essential for B-cell survival and differentiation.

VDJ Recombination

The rearrangement of immunoglobulin genes essential for B-cell receptor diversity.

Pre-BCR

A pre-B cell receptor formed by a heavy chain and a surrogate light chain.

Central Tolerance

The process by which autoreactive B-cells are eliminated within the bone marrow.

Mature B cell

A fully developed B-cell that expresses both IgM and IgD.

Negative selection

A process that eliminates B-cells that react strongly to self-antigens.

Transitional B cells

B-cells that leave the bone marrow and enter the spleen for further maturation.

Immunoglobulin Isotypes

Different classes of antibodies produced by B-cells, including IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE.

Antibody Expression

The production of antibodies by B-cells upon activation.

Autoreactive Receptors

B-cell receptors that bind to self-antigens, leading to cell deletion or editing.

Bone Marrow Microenvironment

A complex structure that influences the development and maturation of B-cells.

V(D)J Recombination Order

The specific sequence of rearrangement: first D-J, then V-D.

Pre-B-cell Checkpoint

The stage in B-cell development where the cell is evaluated for successful heavy chain rearrangement.

Light chain rearrangement

The process that occurs after the heavy chain is successfully rearranged in B-cell development.

Memory B cells

Long-lived B-cells that provide an immune response upon re-exposure to antigens.