Class switching is a biological mechanism in which a B cell changes the class of antibody it produces without altering the specificity for antigen. This process involves recombination at the DNA level to switch from one immunoglobulin (Ig) class to another, such as from IgM to IgG.
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Class switching allows the immune system to produce different classes of antibodies that are better suited for specific functions and locations in the body.
The process of class switching is guided by cytokines released by T helper cells, which influence which antibody class will be produced.
Class switch recombination (CSR) occurs in activated B cells within germinal centers of lymphoid tissues.
Switch regions, located upstream of constant region genes in the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus, play a critical role in facilitating class switching.
Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is an enzyme essential for initiating the DNA breakage and repair process required for class switching.
Review Questions
What role do cytokines play in class switching?
Where does class switch recombination typically occur?
Which enzyme is crucial for initiating the DNA modifications needed for class switching?
Sites within secondary lymphoid organs where mature B cells proliferate, differentiate, and undergo somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination.