Immunology - Secondary response

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Cell Response

Phagocyte engulfs pathogen, breaks it down and presents the antigens on the cell surface membrane

T-helper cell with specific receptor molecule binds to presented antigen

Once T helper cell binds to the presented antigen it is activated. It then clones by mitosis to help fight the infection.

Humoral Response

A specific T helper cell with the correct receptor, binds to presented antigen and activates a specific B cell. The specific T helper releases cytokines that signal the specific B cell to clone by mitosis via clonal selection.

The B cell differentiates into two types of cell :

Plasma Cell - Produce lots of specific antibodies

Memory cells - Remain in the body o respond to pathogen quicker should there be future re-infection.

If the memory cells encounter the antigen on another occasion, they are activated and divide rapidly.

The memory by mitosis into plasma cells and more memory cells.

The plasma cells produce lots of the specific antibodies for the invading pathogen, in a short period of time.