Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 12, 2026

Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies
Published on: October 25, 2018
Membrane-incorporated surrogate receptors increase antigen presentation by resting B cells, but not by LPS-activated
1Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Palmitate-conjugated monoclonal antibodies specific to ovalbumin were inserted into the cell membrane of normal resting B cells and LPS-activated blasts. These two decorated B cells were tested for their ability to act as antigen-presenting cells for ovalbumin-specific I-Ad-restricted T-cell hybridomas. It was found that the antibody-decorated resting B cells presented antigen more efficiently than non-decorated controls. However, no increment was observed when decorated LPS blasts were compared with non-decorated blasts. This is explained by the fact that the inserted antibodies quickly disappeared from the cell membrane of LPS blasts, while they were retained for a long period in the membrane of resting B cells.
Palmitate-conjugated monoclonal antibodies specific to ovalbumin were inserted into the cell membrane of normal resting B cells and LPS-activated blasts. These two decorated B cells were tested for their ability to act as antigen-presenting cells for ovalbumin-specific I-Ad-restricted T-cell hybridomas. It was found that the antibody-decorated resting B cells presented antigen more efficiently than non-decorated controls. However, no increment was observed when decorated LPS blasts were compared with non-decorated blasts. This is explained by the fact that the inserted antibodies quickly disappeared from the cell membrane of LPS blasts, while they were retained for a long period in the membrane of resting B cells.
Related Concept Videos
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
Diversity of Antigen Receptors
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...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...

