Antibody production

Definition

Antibody production is the process by which B cells, a type of white blood cell, produce antibodies in response to antigens. Antibodies are proteins that specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. B cells are activated by helper T cells to start antibody production.
2. Each antibody is specific to a particular antigen due to its unique variable region.
3. The process of class switching allows a single B cell to produce different classes of antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM, etc.).
4. Memory B cells are formed during an immune response and provide long-term immunity.
5. Antibodies can neutralize pathogens directly or mark them for destruction by other immune cells.

Review Questions

• What role do helper T cells play in antibody production?
• How does the specificity of an antibody arise?
• What is the significance of memory B cells in adaptive immunity?

Related terms

Antigen: A substance that induces an immune response, often by being recognized by antibodies.

Helper T Cells (Th cells): A type of T lymphocyte that assists other white blood cells in immunologic processes.

Class Switching: The process by which a B cell changes the class of antibody it produces without altering the specificity for antigen.