Explains the collective immune response to infection and then the dynamics of primary and secondary responses, covering the latent period, the sequence of antibody classes from IgM to IgG, and how immune memory shortens and strengthens the second response. A second section covers humoral immunity: antibody production by B cells, plasma and memory cell formation, the pathogens it targets, the ways antibodies defend, the roles of IgM, IgG and IgA, and T helper cell help.
Topic 34 of 113 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Microbiology (Medicine, Year 3). The free AceMed note covers it in 2 sections, about 377 words (3 min of reading), with 13 flashcards.
In this note
Immune response - dynamics of the immune response. Humoral immunity.
Humoral Immunity
Immune response - dynamics of the immune response. Humoral immunity.
The immune response is the collective, coordinated response of immune cells and molecules to defend the host from infectious disease and preserve genetic/antigenic integrity.
It involves recognizing and tolerating self, while recognizing and rejecting non-self foreign agents.
Dynamics of the Immune Response
The immune response develops after a latent period of 1-2 weeks following initial exposure to an inducing antigen.
There are two main phases or types of immune response dynamics:
Primary Immune Response: Occurs upon the first encounter with an antigen
Characterized by a latent phase (1-2 weeks) before antibodies are detectable. During this phase, B cells are activated and differentiate
IgM is typically the first antibody produced and is effective in the early phase of infection
Antibody levels rise, but often reach a lower peak and decline relatively quickly compared to the secondary
Secondary Immune Response: Occurs upon subsequent encounters with the same specific antigen.
Results from the development of immune memory after the primary response
Characterized by a faster and stronger response.
The latent phase is shorter
Antibody levels rise sooner, reach a higher level, and are sustained longer.
Often involves a switch from IgM production to predominantly IgG production, mediated by memory B cells. IgG is the most abundant antibody in the secondary response.
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