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Affinity selection and repertoire shift: paradoxes as a consequence of somatic mutation?
K Andersson1, J Wrammert, T Leanderson
1Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Lund University, Sweden.
Immunological Reviews
|May 29, 1998
Summary
Antibody affinity selection during immune responses involves molecular and cellular mechanisms. This review explores how somatic mutation and B cell selection drive antibody improvement across immune response phases, including memory.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Antibody affinity selection is crucial for effective immunity.
- Relies on somatic hypermutation and B cell selection.
- Occurs during immune response establishment, expansion, and memory phases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review conditions for affinity selection during immune responses.
- To present a model for B cell selection in germinal centers.
- To discuss antibody repertoire shifts during memory maintenance.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on antibody affinity maturation.
- Development of a theoretical model for B cell selection.
- Discussion of immunological memory mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Somatic mutation likely preceded affinity selection evolutionarily.
- A model for B cell selection in germinal centers is proposed.
- Significant affinity selection and polyclonality selection occur during memory maintenance.
Conclusions:
- Affinity selection is a dynamic process across immune response phases.
- Germinal center B cell selection is a key mechanism.
- Immune memory involves ongoing selection and potential repertoire shifts.