humoralaktiváció

Humoralaktivierung is a German term that translates to humoral activation. It refers to a process within the immune system where B lymphocytes (B cells) are activated by antigens. This activation leads to the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells, which then produce and secrete antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that circulate in the blood and other bodily fluids and play a crucial role in neutralizing pathogens like bacteria and viruses, as well as marking them for destruction by other immune cells.

The humoral activation process typically begins when a B cell encounters an antigen that matches its unique surface receptor. This binding event is usually not enough on its own to trigger full activation. Most B cells require help from T helper cells, a type of T lymphocyte, for robust activation. This T cell-dependent activation involves the B cell presenting processed antigen fragments to the T helper cell, which then provides activating signals back to the B cell.

Once activated, B cells undergo clonal expansion, multiplying rapidly. They then differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells and memory B cells. Plasma cells are short-lived antibody factories, while memory B cells are long-lived cells that provide immunological memory, allowing for a faster and stronger response upon subsequent encounters with the same antigen. This entire process is fundamental to adaptive immunity and the development of long-term protection against infections.