Secondary Immune Response

Question 1

Describe the secondary immune response.

Answer 1

1. Memory T and B cells encounter the same pathogen with the same antigen
2. Memory T and B cells are activated when their surface receptor proteins (T cells) or antibodies (B cells) binds to antigen on the pathogen
3. This causes B cells to rapidly replicate by mitosis to form plasma cells
4. Plasma cells rapidly produce and release more antibodies
5. More antibody-antigen complexes form faster
6. This kills the pathogen quickly before any symptoms can be produced

Question 2

What are the issues with antigen variability?

Answer 2

The antigen changes shape due to mutation in the DNA/RNA.
—> the pathogen antigen is o longer complementary to receptor proteins/antibodies in memory T and B cells
—> another PRIMARY immune response is triggered