L6 - A Kelly - B cells and antibodies Flashcards
Membrane associated Ig functions as the…
Membrane associated Ig functions as the B cell receptor (BCR)
Antibodies are only produced by B cells that differentiate into,,,,
Antibodies are only produced by B cells that differentiate into plasma cells
where may antibodies be found?
They may be free in plasma, bound to cells by specific (Fc) receptors, or present in secretions such as milk, mucus and sweat
describe how the functions of antibodies (binding antigens and recruiting effector function) are structurally separate
Highly variable antigen binding or variable domains allow recognition of a vast array of different structures and give the molecule specificity.
Constant domains allow the antibody to interact with other immune system effector cells and molecules such as macrophages and complement and are said to recruit effector function.
Antibody structure image
All antibodies are formed from pairs of ____ and ______ chains held together by …
All antibodies are formed from pairs of heavy and light chains held together by covalent (disulphide bridges) and non-covalent forces.
describe light hcain variability in antibodies
Light chains have one constant and one variable immunoglobulin fold domain and are present as one of two types called k and λ
describe the strucutre of heavy chains in antibodies
Heavy chains have one variable and three (IgG, IgA and IgD) or four (IgM and IgE) constant domains.
main classes on antibody?
The five main classes of antibody IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM can be distinguished by their heavy chains denoted a, 𝛿 , ε , γ, and μ
which part of the antibody determines the function of the antibody
heavy chain
where are antibodies flexible
The hinge region gives the molecule flexibility to interact with antigen. Flexibility is also present at V-C junction and is likened to a ball and socket joint.
what forms the antigen binding site?
interaction between heavy and light chain variable domains.
Variation in these domains is concentrated in three complementarity determining regions or CDRs
Antigens can bind in tight pockets, grooves or on extended surfaces which form the antigen binding site of the molecule.
which CDRs are more variable?
CDR3 is more variable than either CDR1 or CDR2.
do humans have lots of antibodies? conformations?
yep - 1011
what is soamtic recombination?
Ig genes encoded by many gene segments which rearrange during B cell developement - somativ recombination
T or F:
Heavy chains rearrange in a precise order and intervening genomic DNA is lost.
T
Heavy chains rearrange in a precise order and intervening genomic DNA is lost.
what is this order?
1st D -> J joining
2nd V -> DJ joining
Picture of heavy chain recombination
what is allelic exclusion
Heavy chain rearrangement can occur on both chromosomes but if a functional heavy chain is generated then rearrangement on the other chromosome is prevented (allelic exclusion)
how many heavy hcains can a single B cell express?
A single B cell can only express one heavy chain.
do light chains rearrange?
Light chains have no diversity segments but also rearrange, the k chain fist and then if unproductive the l chain.