B Cell (Noun)
Meaning
A lymphocyte derived from bone marrow that provides humoral immunity; it recognizes free antigen molecules in solution and matures into plasma cells that secrete immunoglobulin (antibodies) that inactivate the antigens.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- B cells are a type of lymphocyte that plays a crucial role in the adaptive immune system by producing antibodies to fight infections.
- The activation of B cells is triggered by the recognition of specific antigens, which leads to their differentiation into plasma cells.
- B cells can recognize and bind to antigens through their surface-bound antibodies, also known as B cell receptors.
- In the process of affinity maturation, B cells undergo rapid proliferation and mutation to produce high-affinity antibodies against specific antigens.
- The interaction between B cells and T cells is essential for the activation and regulation of B cell responses to infections and other foreign substances.