IMMUNOGLOBULIN SOMATIC HYPERMUTATION Meaning and
Definition
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Immunoglobulin somatic hypermutation refers to a process that occurs in the immune system, specifically in B cells, which are a type of white blood cell involved in the production of specialized proteins called immunoglobulins or antibodies. This process is also known as antibody affinity maturation.
During immunoglobulin somatic hypermutation, B cells undergo targeted genetic mutations in the variable region of their antibody genes. These mutations are introduced by a specialized enzyme called activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID). The variable region is responsible for recognizing and binding to specific antigens, such as foreign substances or pathogens.
The purpose of somatic hypermutation is to generate a diverse repertoire of antibodies with improved affinity for the antigen to which they are exposed. The genetic mutations lead to alterations in the amino acid sequence of the antibody's variable region, resulting in changes to the shape and binding characteristics of the antibody molecule. B cells with mutations that enhance the affinity for the antigen are selected to proliferate and differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells, while those with lower affinity are eliminated.
Immunoglobulin somatic hypermutation is an essential process for the adaptive immune response, as it allows the immune system to continually adapt and improve its ability to recognize and eliminate specific pathogens. It is a key mechanism behind the generation of high-affinity antibodies during an immune response and plays a crucial role in long-term immunity.
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