Immune Cell Antibody Recognition and Neutralization: How do immune cells identify effective antibodies against antigens?
Context The immune system's ability to produce antibodies that specifically target and neutralize antigens is a complex process. This question explores the mechanism by which immune cells determine if a produced antibody is effective. It delves into the confirmation process of successful antigen binding and neutralization, as well as what happens when an antibody binds but fails to neutralize the antigen. The core issue is understanding how immune cells differentiate between antibodies that simply recognize an antigen and those that effectively inactivate it. Simple Answer Immune cells have receptors that check if an antibody has attached to an antigen. If the antibody is attached, it signals the cell that it has found a match. The immune cell then makes more of that successful antibody. Sometimes, an antibody might attach but not stop the antigen. This is like a lock and key that fits but doesn't unlock. The immune system keeps trying until it finds an antibody that both att...