Immunology - 13 Flashcards
1
Q
Which is the default antibody type?
A
IgM
2
Q
What is isotope switching (class switching)?
A
Isotopes can be switched over the course of B cell life to match the suitability of the antibody to the type of infection
3
Q
Can different isotypes (i.e. IgG, IgD, IgE) bind the same antigen?
A
Yes, isotype has no bearing on antigen specificity. The variable heavy region does not change during isotype switching (only the constant heavy region changes)
4
Q
Which isotypes are expressed as the BCR on mature naïve cells?
A
IgM and IgD
5
Q
After activation, experienced mature cells express how many isotypes as the BCR?
A
1
6
Q
What is the purpose of different isotypes providing protection against the same pathogen?
A
They can provide protection multiple ways and locations throughout the body
