Immunoglobulin class switching
Immunoglobulin Class Switching
Immunoglobulin class switching, also known as isotype switching, class-switch recombination (CSR), or Ig class switching, is the biological mechanism that changes a B cell's production of immunoglobulin from one type to another, such as from the IgM type to the IgG type.
Pronunciation
- Immunoglobulin: /ˌɪm.juː.nəˈɡlɒb.jʊ.lɪn/
- Class Switching: /klɑːs ˈswɪtʃ.ɪŋ/
Etymology
The term "Immunoglobulin" is derived from the Latin immunis meaning "exempt" and globus meaning "sphere", referring to the proteins' role in the immune response. "Class switching" refers to the process of changing from one class or type to another.
Process
Immunoglobulin class switching occurs after activation of a B cell. This is triggered by interaction with a T cell. The process involves a change in the DNA sequence and structure in the constant region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain. This results in a B cell producing an antibody with a different isotype but the same antigen specificity.
Related Terms
- Antibody: A protein produced by B cells in response to an antigen.
- B cell: A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies.
- T cell: A type of white blood cell that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity.
- DNA: The molecule that carries genetic instructions in all living organisms.
- Antigen: A substance that induces an immune response, especially the production of antibodies.
- Activation: The process by which a cell is prepared to perform its function.
- IgM: The largest antibody, and the first to be made by the body to fight a new infection.
- IgG: The most common type of antibody found in blood circulation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Immunoglobulin class switching
- Wikipedia's article - Immunoglobulin class switching
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