Bacteria, invading the human body, are phagocytosed (taken into the body of the macrophage). The macrophage then removes the specific identifying markers, or antigens, of the invading bacteria. It places these antigens on its own surface. Helper T-call lymphocytes, which are specially designed to fight this invading bacteria, have on their own surface a complementary antigen marker, much like a puzzle piece. When these specialty T-cell lymphocytes notice a macrophage presenting the complement antigen they initiate a response which results in B-cell proliferation.

 

 

 

B-Cell Antibody Response

Through a process called phagocytosis, immune cells called macrophages engulf invading bacteria. The macrophage will then remove the identifying markers, or antigens, from the invading bacteria and present them on its own surface. B-cell lymphocytes will notice that the antigens have been presented on the macrophage and will begin to secrete large quantities of antibodies. These antibodies bind to the invading bacteria, which will then become ineffective and more easily destroyed by macrophages.

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March 3, 2018