Final answer:
Developing B cells in the bone marrow that successfully pass the tests for the production of a functional immunoglobulin receptor do not go through any more checkpoints. The first step of B cell maturation is an assessment of the functionality of their antigen-binding receptors. Unlike T cells, which go through further maturation and selection in the thymus, B cells that pass the functional receptor tests in the bone marrow do not go through any more checkpoints.
Step-by-step explanation:
Developing B cells in the bone marrow that successfully pass the tests for the production of a functional immunoglobulin receptor do not go through any more checkpoints.
The first step of B cell maturation is an assessment of the functionality of their antigen-binding receptors. This occurs through positive selection for B cells with normal functional receptors. A mechanism of negative selection is then used to eliminate self-reacting B cells and minimize the risk of autoimmunity. Immature B cells that pass the selection in the bone marrow then travel to the spleen for their final stages of maturation. There they become naïve mature B cells, i.e., mature B cells that have not yet been activated.
Unlike T cells, which go through further maturation and selection in the thymus, B cells that pass the functional receptor tests in the bone marrow do not go through any more checkpoints. However, B cells can still undergo activation and differentiation upon encountering antigens in the peripheral lymphoid tissues, such as the lymph nodes and spleen.