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

Discussion in 'MCAT Study Question Q&A' started by Deepa100, Jun 17, 2008.

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  1. Deepa100

    Deepa100 Junior Member

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    or can it act on its own?
     
    #1 Deepa100, Jun 17, 2008
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  2. HawkeyePostOp

    HawkeyePostOp the fort at sidewalk

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    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?
     
    #2 HawkeyePostOp, Jun 23, 2008
  3. ThePandaFactor

    ThePandaFactor

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    Some antigens can activate B cells without the need for T cells, but mostly the T cell is involved.
     
    #3 ThePandaFactor, Jun 23, 2008
  4. chreesteene

    chreesteene

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    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...
     
    #4 chreesteene, Jun 28, 2008
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