The Primary Activation of B Cells by Antigens and the Production of Antibodies: A Comprehensive Overview

B cells are primarily activated by the activities of A) antigens.B) antibodies.C) helper T cells.D) macrophages.E) plasma cells.

B cells are primarily activated by the activities of A) antigens

B cells are primarily activated by the activities of A) antigens. When antigens (foreign substances) enter the body, they bind to specific receptors on the surface of B cells, known as B cell receptors. The binding of the antigen to the B cell receptor triggers a series of events that lead to the activation of the B cell.

Once activated, B cells undergo clonal expansion, which means they divide and produce more identical copies of themselves. Some of these clones turn into plasma cells, which are specialized cells that produce and secrete antibodies.

Antibodies, which are protein molecules produced by plasma cells, play a crucial role in the immune response. They bind to specific antigens and help eliminate or neutralize them. Antibodies are also involved in activating other components of the immune system, such as complement proteins, to further enhance the immune response.

While helper T cells (C) and macrophages (D) are important for the immune response, they do not directly activate B cells. Helper T cells interact with activated B cells to provide essential signals and assistance in antibody production. Macrophages, on the other hand, aid in the clearance of antigens by engulfing and digesting them.

Plasma cells (E) are not responsible for activating B cells but are the end product of B cell activation. They are responsible for antibody production and secretion.

In summary, B cells are primarily activated by antigens (A). Antigen binding to B cell receptors triggers B cell activation, leading to clonal expansion and the production of plasma cells that secrete antibodies.

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