After antigen activation, B cells enter germinal centres
where they undergo rapid proliferation accompanied by somatic hypermutation.
Many of these mutations reduce antigen binding, while others improve it. Only B
cells receiving sufficient survival signals are selected to persist and
differentiate, while the remainder undergo apoptosis.

What is the primary adaptive purpose of this
germinal centre process?

Question

After antigen activation, B cells enter germinal centres
where they undergo rapid proliferation accompanied by somatic hypermutation.
Many of these mutations reduce antigen binding, while others improve it. Only B
cells receiving sufficient survival signals are selected to persist and
differentiate, while the remainder undergo apoptosis.

What is the primary adaptive purpose of this
germinal centre process?

Accepted Answer

Generating
receptor diversity through mutation, allowing selection of variants with
progressively improved antigen binding

Answer

Maintaining
dominance of a single optimal B‑cell clone throughout the immune response

Answer

Mandating
differentiation of all activated B cells into long‑lived plasma cells

Answer

Ensuring
that only high‑affinity B cells are initially recruited into
immune responses

Crowdly

After antigen activation, B cells enter germinal centres where they undergo rap...

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