Outline the process of the primary immune response to a pathogen.

The pathogen is first phagocytosed or engulfed by a phagocyte (either macrophage or neutrophil). The phagocyte seals the pathogen in an internal phagosome into which the phagocyte releases lysozymes. These lysozymes destroy the pathogen. Remnants of proteins specific to the pathogen are transported to the phagocyte cell surface, becoming antigens to be presented to T lymphocytes. The cellular response to pathogen occurs following the activation of T lymphocytes that have the antigen specific receptor, which generate Helper T-cells, Memory T-Cells, Suppressor T cells and Killer T-cells. The helper T cells go on to clonal activation of B cells. This causes rapid division of B cells with the antibody specific to the presented antigen. Some of these B cells differentiate into memory B cells whilst the majority differentiate into plasma cells, releasing antibodies in the process. The antibody binds to the antigens any remaining pathogens causing them to clump together (called agglutination).

Answered by Tutor145474 D. Biology tutor

2901 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe Gaseous exchange in the alveoli of the lungs


Describe how mRNA is produced in humans.


What are different animal's cognitive limitations? How can we observe this in the wild?


What is the sequence of events involved in transmission across a cholinergic synapse


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences