A Hands-on Activity for V(D)J Recombination in an Undergraduate Immunology Class

This learning activity teaches the difficult concept of V(D)J recombination as it occurs in B cells. Following the traditional lecture, this hands-on activity uses pipe cleaners of various colors representing variable, joining, and diversity gene segments and recombination signal sequences. Students are provided with instructions for using the pipe cleaners to assemble specific light and heavy immunoglobulin chains. Students each assemble their own light and heavy chains and compare the products made by classmates. This activity uses materials that are easy and affordable to acquire and provides a tactile approach to reinforcing concepts that students often struggle to visualize and master from lecture and textbook material alone.