isotype switching
Isotype switching is a characteristic feature of the humoral immune response, in which a switch from IgM to other Ig isotypes follows first exposure to an antigen. Affinity maturation ensures that repeated exposures to the same antigen will provoke greater antibody ligating affinity of the antibody secreted by successive generations of plasma cells.
Isotype switching is regulated by T cell-produced immune cytokines, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and TGF-β, which direct B cells to switch to specific Ig classes.
Tables Fc receptors Immune Cytokines Immunoglobulins
Isotype switching is regulated by T cell-produced immune cytokines, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and TGF-β, which direct B cells to switch to specific Ig classes.
Tables Fc receptors Immune Cytokines Immunoglobulins
Labels: affinity maturation, antigen, humoral, immune response, immunoglobulins, isotype switching, plasma cells
. . . since 10/06/06