Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026
15:07
VDJ-Seq: Deep Sequencing Analysis of Rearranged Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain Gene to Reveal Clonal Evolution Patterns of B Cell Lymphoma
Published on: December 28, 2015
26.3K
The molecular evolution of the immune response
T Manser1, L J Wysocki, T Gridley
1Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Immunology Today
|October 8, 2014
Summary
The molecular basis of immunoglobulin diversity is known, but its significance and generation in organisms remain unclear. This study explores how immune responses vary between individuals and why some antigens elicit consistent responses across all individuals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The molecular underpinnings of immunoglobulin diversity have been elucidated.
- The functional significance and organism-level generation mechanisms of this diversity are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the utilization of immunoglobulin diversity in establishing immunity.
- To explain the generation of diverse immune responses to identical antigens in genetically identical individuals.
- To investigate the phenomenon of recurrent idiotypes where specific antigens elicit similar immune responses across all individuals.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on immunoglobulin diversity.
- Analysis of mechanisms underlying immune response variation.
- Discussion of antigen-specific immune response patterns.
Main Results:
- Immunoglobulin diversity plays a crucial role in the establishment of immunity.
- Genetically identical individuals exhibit significant variation in immune responses to the same antigen.
- Certain antigens consistently trigger similar immune responses (recurrent idiotypes) in all individuals.
Conclusions:
- Understanding immunoglobulin diversity is key to understanding immune system function.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms generating immune response variability and consistency.
- The study highlights the complex interplay between genetic identity and immune response heterogeneity.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Diversity of Antigen Receptors
2.1K
Antigen receptors are essential components of the immune system crucial in defending the body against foreign invaders. These receptors are present on the surface of B and T cells, enabling them to recognize antigens and mount an appropriate immune response.
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
2.1K
02:05Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?
6.2K
The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
In contrast, regions which code...
In contrast, regions which code...
6.2K
02:05Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?
2.5K
2.5K
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
2.3K
The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
2.3K
01:26Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
1.7K
An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and...
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and...
1.7K
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
63.9K
Overview
63.9K