key player in immune response. pdf

1. The key player in the humoral
immune response is the B cell.
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2. B cells are a type of white blood
cell that matures in the bone
marrow and are responsible for
producing antibodies, also known
as immunoglobulins. Antibodies
are specialized proteins that can
bind to specific antigens, which are
foreign substances like bacteria,
viruses, or toxins. When a B cell
encounters an antigen that it
recognizes, it becomes activated
and begins to differentiate into two
different cell types:
1. Plasma cells: These are short-
lived cells that produce large
amounts of antibodies specific
to the antigen that activated
the B cell.
2. Memory B cells: These long-
lived cells "remember" the
antigen and can quickly
differentiate into plasma cells
upon re-exposure to the same
antigen, providing long-term
immunity.
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3. he humoral immune response is essential for protecting
the body against extracellular pathogens, such as
bacteria and viruses, that circulate in the blood and
lymph. Antibodies can neutralize pathogens by:
1. Blocking their attachment to host cells: Antibodies
can bind to specific sites on the surface of a
pathogen, preventing it from attaching to and
infecting host cells.
2. Triggering their destruction: Antibodies can recruit
immune system cells, such as phagocytes, to engulf
and destroy the pathogen.
3. Neutralizing toxins: Antibodies can bind to and
neutralize toxins produced by pathogens, preventing
them from harming the body.
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