부산대학교 도서관

Viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens betray their presence in the body through exterior proteins, distinct to each strain. To prepare for the multitude of potential infectious agents, developing B-cells shuffle their genes to produce, billion different antibodies, one to match almost any foreign protein. Upon infection, antibodies recognize a particular pathogen and mobilize a larger, targeted immune response. B-cells producing the"recognizing" antibody refine and test genetic modifications, adjusting the antibody's fit to the foreign entity. B-cells compete for highest affinity; the winners survive to produce more cells and more antibodies. B-cells require an enzyme called activation-induced cytidine deaminase to develop the most effective antibody.