Today we learn what cells are called that can produce antibodies. We also talk about the purpose and method of producing those same antibodies. Consider the protective barriers of our body and the types of immunity.
What is important to understand before we move on to the main issue of our article? The production of antibodies in the body occurs under the influence of antigens. Antibodies also have another name - immunoglobulins, they make up a whole class of glycoproteins. What is responsible for the development of this necessary element? Of course, the immune system, consisting of some organs:
- thymus
- spleen;
- lymphoid structures.
The latter in this list are responsible for the production of three types of cells:
- T lymphocytes;
- B lymphocytes;
- Macrophages.
Body protective barriers
If the body consists of many cells (multicellular), then it endlessly becomes attacked by various bacteria, microbes, parasites and so on. Of course, for a good and stable functioning of the body, barriers are needed to prevent parasites from entering the body. In total, microbes have three obstacles:
- leather;
- mucous membranes;
- environmental protection;
- the internal environment of the body.
Skin and mucous membranes are not only a physical barrier. These organs are capable of secreting saliva, fat, tear, sweat and so on. All this poses a mortal danger to germs.
As for the environmental barrier, we are talking about beneficial microorganisms that are located on the surface of the skin and are able to repel the attack of pathogenic bacteria.
Last we noted immunity. That is, the ability to maintain a constant internal environment. Here are the adversary:
- blood;
- lymph;
- tissue fluid and so on.
Now a little about the name of cells that can produce antibodies. They are formed under the influence of a B-lymphocyte, T-lymphocyte and macrophages. So plasma cells are formed, which are involved in the production of antibodies and their transmission to the blood. It is important to know that not all received cells are engaged in the production of antibodies, some perform the function of memory, for re-production in case of danger.
Immunity and its types
We have already said that plasma cells that produce antibodies do not all perform this function. Some of them remember the antigen to produce antibodies if necessary.
Now we will talk about two forms of immunity:
The latter type is carried out by phagocytosis. It is needed to combat foreign microbes that have entered the body. For this reason, he received the name "non-specific."
Specific is that it responds to antigens. Then antibodies help the body. Viruses, microbes, and many other cells that are different from those that the body can play as antigens.
Also, immunity can be classified as follows:
- cellular (it is provided by phagocytes);
- humoral (antibodies found in human blood).
Now we will go into more detail on the question of what cells are called capable of producing antibodies. And, of course, to a description of the process of their appearance.
Antibody formation
So, we have already said what are the names of cells that can produce antibodies. But they did not at all mention the method of their penetration into the blood.
Consider the process of interaction of antibodies and antigens. Suppose that a foreign body (antigen), for example, a bacterium, has entered the internal environment of a person. There is already an antibody in the blood if the bacterium has previously entered the human body. If not, a new one is created. Antigen and antibody are completely opposite in meaning. These are substances that fit together like a keyhole and key. When they meet, they begin to interact. The result is an inactive and completely harmless compound.
Antibodies are produced in plasma cells formed by the cooperation of the following components:
- T lymphocytes
- B lymphocytes;
- Macrophages.
It is important to know that not all plasma cells are capable of producing antibodies, some of them have memory that quickly reproduce the desired antibody in case of relapse.
Immune cells
We learned where antibodies are made and how this happens. Now briefly about how antigen recognition is carried out. Blood cells that are located in:
- bone marrow;
- thymus (T-lymphocytes);
- lymph nodes (B lymphocytes).
Each component plays its own specific function, namely: T-lymphocytes detect a foreign bacterium and transmit information to B-lymphocytes. The latter in turn produce the necessary antibodies.