Internalization is the process where a cell engulfs and incorporates foreign particles, such as antigens or pathogens, into its cytoplasm. This is a critical step in the immune response for antigen processing and presentation.
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Internalization by B lymphocytes typically occurs through receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Once internalized, antigens are processed into smaller fragments within endosomes and lysosomes.
The antigen fragments are then presented on the cell surface in association with MHC class II molecules.
This process is essential for the activation of helper T cells and the subsequent adaptive immune response.
Internalization helps B cells act as antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which is crucial for their role in humoral immunity.