Summary

B-cells are white blood cells in the adaptive immune system known for producing antibodies. The antibody response to an infection or antigen is also known as the humoral immune response. These antibodies produced can either move freely in circulation or remain bound to the B-cell surface as a receptor. When surface-bound antibodies, or B-cell receptors, bind to a specific antigen, this activates a resting B-cell against that antigen. Activation prompts the B-cell to turn into an activated form in order to fight the threat.

Key Points

• B Lymphocytes (B cell) Overview
  • Part of adaptive immune system
  • Lymphocyte responsible for producing antibodies 
  • Activated by binding a specific antigen
    • B cell receptors (BCRs) are surface-bound antibodies that recognize and bind antigens
  • Differentiate after activation into plasma or memory B-cells