antibody production

Introduction

Exposure to antigen results in activation of naive B cells. This activation requires coordination of:

• dendritic cells (antigen-presenting cells)
• T-cells
• B-cells

Dendritic cells present antigen to T-cells in the context of of MHC molecules. This activates the T-cells. Antigen is simultaneously processed by B-cells which in turn come into direct contact with activated T-cells. This interaction results in activated B-cells which proliferate & differentiate into

• plasma cells that secrete antigen-specific antibody
• memory B-cells

Additional terms

• B lymphocyte
• dendritic cell
• immunoglobulin
• memory B lymphocyte
• plasma cell
• T lymphocyte (T-cell, thymocyte)