Affinity Maturation definitions Flashcards

A natural selection process among B cells enhancing antibody effectiveness over time.

Immune cells that produce antibodies and undergo affinity maturation to improve antigen binding.

Differentiated B cells that secrete antibodies and participate in affinity maturation.

A process allowing B cells to change the class of antibody they produce for improved effectiveness.

Part of the BCR or antibody gene that controls the antigen binding site and undergoes mutations.

Molecules on B cells that bind antigens and undergo mutations during affinity maturation.

A substance that triggers an immune response, targeted by antibodies and BCRs.

Genetic changes in BCRs that can enhance or reduce antibody binding to antigens.

A process where B cells with beneficial mutations proliferate, enhancing antibody effectiveness.

The rapid multiplication of B cells with effective antigen binding during affinity maturation.

Identical B cells produced during proliferation, improving antigen binding over time.

A protein produced by B cells that binds to specific antigens to neutralize them.

The body's defense mechanism that uses processes like affinity maturation to fight infections.

The invasion of the body by harmful organisms, prompting an immune response.

The part of the antibody or BCR that directly interacts with the antigen.