Immunology 3 Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the functions of B lymphocyes?

A

Produce antibodies during immune response (when become activated (plasma cells)).

Form memory B cells.

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2
Q

Define antibody.

A

Antibody = secreted protein which facilitates immune neutralisation of pathogens by binding antigens expressed on pathogen or its products.

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3
Q

What is the structure of an antibody?

A

Y-shaped protein, two heavy and two light chains.

Ends of chains are the antigen-binding region called the variable region.

Back of chains is the constant region, which provides scaffold for variable regions to sit on.

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4
Q

How are B cells proliferated?

A

DCs present antigen to B cells.

B cells travel to germinal centres in spleen cortex and undergo intense proliferation.

CD4+ T helper cells localise to paracortical areas where they produce chemicals to help B cell proliferation.

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5
Q

Where are B cells activated?

A

Activated in the white pulp of the spleen.

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6
Q

What happens during B cell activation?

A

B cell receptor is an IgM monomer on its surface.

Dendritic cell presents antigen to B cell, ligates IgM binding site and triggers B cell activation.

After activation, B cells divide at germinal centre and then become antibody-producing cells / memory cells.

Plasma cells start to secrete IgM. Later, isotype switching occurs.

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7
Q

Define isotype switching.

A

Isotype switching = the rearrangement of genes which code for antibody proteins, to achieve production of a different class of antibody.

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