About Antibody Mediated Immunity

Antibody mediated immunity, or humoral immunity, happens when an immune response is produced by a reaction between antigens and antibodies. The B-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, do this by producing clones of cells that secrete antibodies.

B-Cells

• B-lymphocytes, or B-cells, are produced primarily in the bone marrow. They fight antigens indirectly by secreting antibodies, which in turn battle the antigens.

Large Numbers

• One B-cell can produce more than ten million antibodies, each reacting with an antigen. These large numbers allow the body to become immune to many diseases.

Structural Fit

• For the antibody to successfully attack the antigen, the two must fit together in what is called structural reciprocity. A precise fit between them is necessary.

Memory Cells

• B-cells develop memory cells that remember the structure of the antigen. These cells activate quickly if the same antigen is encountered again.

Immunity

• Memory cells respond so quickly that an antigen cannot gain enough momentum to attack a body a second time. That results in the body being immune to a particular disease.