Somatic hypermutation

Somatic Hypermutation

Somatic hypermutation (pronunciation: so·mat·ic hy·per·mu·ta·tion) is a biological process that occurs in the immune system. It is a mechanism that contributes to the immune response by diversifying the antibodies produced by B cells.

Etymology

The term "somatic hypermutation" is derived from the Greek word "soma," meaning body, and the Latin word "hypermutatio," meaning excessive change. This refers to the high rate of mutation that occurs in the variable regions of immunoglobulin genes in B cells.

Process

During an immune response, B cells that recognize an antigen proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells and memory B cells. The genes encoding the antibody variable region in these cells undergo somatic hypermutation, which introduces point mutations at a high rate. This process is mediated by an enzyme called activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID).

Function

The purpose of somatic hypermutation is to increase the affinity of antibodies for their specific antigen. This is achieved through a process called affinity maturation, where B cells with high-affinity antibodies are preferentially selected for survival.

Related Terms

• Affinity maturation
• Antibody
• B cell
• Immune response
• Immunoglobulin
• Plasma cell

See Also

• Activation-induced cytidine deaminase
• Antigen
• Memory B cell

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Somatic hypermutation
• Wikipedia's article - Somatic hypermutation

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