the humoral response
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describe what is meant by a primary immune response
• first time the pathogen has been encountered • takes time for lymphocytes to create antibodies to destroy pathogens • symptoms occur
what cells are involved in this response?
B cells
briefly describe the humoral response
• T helper cells stimulate B cells by producing interleukins • initiates a response involving antibodies
describe the structure of antibodies
• 4 polypeptide chains • 2 light and 2 heavy • globular • quaternary protein • binding sites are complementary to antigens
what is the binding site?
a variable region where the antibody and antigen attach
state the 3 ways that antibodies work
• agglutination • marking pathogens • anti toxins
what is meant by agglutination?
• clumping pathogens • makes it easier for phagocytes to locate and engulf
how do antibodies mark pathogens?
• acts as an opsonin • antibody antigen complex forms
how to antibodies act as anti toxins?
• binds to toxins • prevents them entering cells and causing damage
stage 1 (clonal selection)
• T helper cells bind to B cells with a complementary antibody • this is clonal selection
stage 2 (activation)
B cell is activated by the release of T cell interleukins
stage 3 (clonal expansion)
• B cell divides rapidly by mitosis • differentiates into plasma or memory cells • this is clonal expansion
stage 4(antibodies)
• plasma cells produce antibodies • antibodies attach to pathogen antigens to destroy them • by agglutination and marking
stage 5 (secondary response)
• B memory cells remain in blood after infection • rapidly produce many antibodies if reinfection occurs
define humoral response
• humor = body fluids • takes part in blood plasma and tissue fluid • as B cells attack pathogens outside cells
what are B lymphocytes covered with?
• antibodies • immunoglobins which bind to antigens