Is B-cell always activated by the T-helper cell?

[Deepa100]

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or can it act on its own?

 

[HawkeyePostOp]

I'm confused by this too. Books say yes, that B cells can sometimes bind to an antigen by themselves and become activated. B cells are usually stimulated by T-helper cells that release cytokines, but can also be activated by interleukins secreted by macrophages.

peer review, anyone?

 

[ThePandaFactor]

Some antigens can activate B cells without the need for T cells, but mostly the T cell is involved.

 

[chreesteene]

i've always thought that B cells can be activated by antigens on their own (and start clonal selection, etc) but they work MUCH MUCH better when also induced by IL-2 (?) released by Helper Ts. Please correct me if I'm wrong...