B cell activation and regulation Flashcards
What is the difference between transmembrane antibodies and MHC molecules on CSM of B cells?
The MHC molecules present the antigens processed when the antibody binds to the pathogen.
Where is CD40 present?
On the CSM of all APCs
Where are B cells activated?
In the lymph nodes
Where are lymph nodes present?
Near major organs and tissues
Most likely for a foreign antigen to be picked up by APCs
What differentiates B cells from all other cells in the immune system?
Transmembrane antibodies
What is the BCR on B cells composed of?
IgM and IgD
BCR is a transmembrane antibody
What happens to naive B cells when they enter lymph nodes?
They mature and express IgG and IgD on their surface
What happens to the B cells that leave the lymph nodes without becoming activated?
They form short-lived plasma cells that synthesise and release non-specific antibodies like IgM
Where in the lymph nodes are T cells more abundant?
Paracortex
Where in the lymph nodes are B cells more abundant?
Cortex
What cells cause the initial activation of B cells in the lymph nodes?
APCs
T cells
Soluble antigens
Where in the lymph nodes do B cells mature?
In the germinal center
What are the two areas of the germinal center called?
Dark zone
Light zone
What happens in the dark zone of the germinal center?
Clonal expansion
Somatic Hypermutation
What happens in the light zone of the germinal center?
Affinity selection
Class switching
Differentiation
