DANCEST 805 Lecture Notes - Lecture 29: Immunoglobulin A, Germinal Center, Deamination
Document Summary
Learning outcomes: the mechanism of b cell activation. The variable region of immunoglobulins is the antigen binding site and the constant region gives functionality. They exist in two forms: as a membrane receptor that binds antigen, as a secreted fluid phase molecule that directs a specific immune function, complement fixation (fixing of antibody to antigen, opsonisation, neutralisation. Different epitopes (part of antigen recognised) respond to different antibodies. Discontinuous (more than one area responds to antibody) and linear (one continuous shape). Form shapes with folded molecules, brings different areas of antigen together to give shape the antibody can recognise. Immunology & infection allison green: professional antigen presenting cell; internalises antigen, processes it by exogenous pathway and presents peptides to t cells, bringing help cells and b cells to transform into plasma cells. Like t cells, when b cell response no longer needed, the b cell is shut down by signals through the negative regulator fcgriib.
