B cells

B cells

• Lymphocyte (type of white blood cell)
• Adaptive immune system
• B cell receptor protein
• Binds to specific antigens 

Functions

• Once fully activated, makes antibodies
• Fights antigens
• Remembers the specific antigen
• Defence against pathogens

Types of B cells

• Plasma, produces antibodies
• Memory, remembers antigen
• B-1, produced in the fetus
• B-2, produced in bone marrow

Cell activation / communication

• pathogen is digested, proteins are digested into peptides
• peptides are attached to a class II MHC protein, sent to outside membrane
• sends signals to T helper cell
• T helper cell produces autocrines, activates B cells
• B cells produce antibodies

activation

Untitled Slide

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HvQWmNWmL8