B cells

Definition

B cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the adaptive immune system by producing antibodies. They originate in the bone marrow and are responsible for humoral immunity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. B cells mature in the bone marrow and then migrate to peripheral lymphoid tissues.
2. B cells can differentiate into plasma cells, which produce antibodies, or memory B cells, which provide long-term immunity.
3. The activation of B cells requires antigen binding and help from T helper (Th) cells.
4. B cell receptors (BCRs) are membrane-bound immunoglobulins that bind specific antigens.
5. B cells present antigens to T helper cells through Major Histocompatibility Complex class II (MHC II) molecules.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of B cells in the adaptive immune system?
• How do B cells become activated during an immune response?
• What role do memory B cells play in immunity?

Related terms

T Lymphocytes:

A type of white blood cell involved in cellular immunity and assisting in activating B cells.

Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs):

Cells that process and present antigens to T lymphocytes, essential for initiating specific immune responses.

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC):

A set of genes encoding proteins that present peptide antigens to T cells for recognition.