Clonal selection

Definition

Clonal selection is a fundamental mechanism in the immune response where a specific antigen selectively binds to and activates only those lymphocytes (B cells and T cells) bearing receptors specific for the antigen. As a result, these selected cells proliferate and differentiate into a clone of effector cells that target the antigen.

Related terms

Antigen: An antigen is any substance that induces an immune response, including the production of antibodies.

Lymphocytes: Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell central to the immune system, responsible for responding to specific antigens through receptor-mediated recognition.

Effector Cells: Effector cells are the activated lymphocytes (B cells turn into plasma cells and T cells turn into cytotoxic T cells) that perform functions such as secreting antibodies or destroying infected host cells