BRAINCAKEB cells
B lymphocytes (B cells) are made and mature in the bone marrow. Each B cell has many identical antibody molecules in its cell surface membrane, acting as receptors. All the receptors on one B cell have the same antigen-binding site, complementary to one specific antigen.
When a B cell meets an antigen with a complementary shape, the antigen binds to its receptors. The B cell takes in the antigen by endocytosis, digests it and displays fragments of it on MHC proteins on its surface, so the B cell itself becomes an antigen-presenting cell.
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Key terms in this lesson
- cytokine
- A small signalling protein released by cells, especially of the immune system, that influences the behaviour of other cells.
More in Response to Infection
- Non-specific Responses
- Fevers
- Phagocytosis
- Lymphocytes
- T Cells
- The Humoral Response
- The Effector Stage
- Clonal Selection
All 20 lessons in Response to Infection · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics