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How do B cells use MHC Class II in their immune functions?
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B cells present antigens on their surface with MHC Class II proteins for recognition and activation of helper T cells.
What are phagocytes and what is their primary function in nonspecific defense?
Phagocytes are cells that recognize, engulf, and destroy pathogens as part of the nonspecific defense mechanism.
Outline the activation process of a B cell upon encountering a pathogen.
A B cell binds to a pathogen's epitope, may require signal from helper T cells, then engulfs the pathogen and proliferates into plasma and memory B cells.
In the context of phagocytes, what occurs during antigen presentation?
During antigen presentation, short chains of peptides bind to MHC proteins and are transported to the cell surface to be displayed for recognition by T cells.
How do B cells complement the nonspecific immune defenses?
B cells are part of the adaptive immune system with membrane-bound antibodies that specifically target pathogens, undergoing activation, proliferation, and antibody production.
What are MHC Class II proteins and their role in the immune system?
MHC Class II proteins are used to present antigen fragments on the cell surface, which are crucial for recognition by helper T cells and activation of the immune response.
Describe the process of phagocytosis.
Phagocytosis involves pathogen recognition and engulfment, formation of a phagosome, and fusion with a lysosome to digest the pathogen.
Why are MHC II proteins important in immune responses?
MHC II proteins are important because they present processed antigens to helper T cells, critical for initiating an immune response.
What happens when a pathogen binds to a B cell epitope?
The B cell is typically activated after binding to the epitope and with assistance from helper T cells, leading to engulfment and proliferation into plasma and memory B cells.
Explain the role of lysosomes in phagocytosis.
Lysosomes fuse with the phagosome to release enzymes that break down the engulfed pathogen into smaller molecules.
What are professional antigen presenting cells and which cells are included in this category?
Professional antigen presenting cells include phagocytes and B cells, which engulf, digest, and present antigens to activate the immune system.
What structure is formed when a phagocyte engulfs a pathogen?
The structure formed is called a phagosome.
Name the three main types of phagocytes.
The three main types of phagocytes are macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells.
What is the key difference in the roles of MHC Class I and MHC Class II proteins?
MHC Class I proteins present antigens from intracellular pathogens to cytotoxic T cells, whereas MHC Class II proteins present antigens from extracellular pathogens to helper T cells.
Differentiate between plasma B cells and memory B cells.
Plasma B cells produce and release antibodies to combat pathogens, while memory B cells store information about the pathogen for quicker future responses.
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