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How does the immune system generate an antibody response against a polysaccharide bound to a carrier protein despite antibody feedback inhibition?

a. Antibodies against the carrier protein do not inhibit B-cell receptors for the polysaccharide.
b. Feedback inhibition does not affect B-cell receptors.
c. The immune system bypasses feedback inhibition in this case.
d. This phenomenon is not well-understood.

User Meesinlid
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The immune system can generate an antibody response against a polysaccharide-protein complex through T cell-dependent activation with cytokine stimulation and crosslinking of B cell receptors, ensuring a robust immune response despite potential feedback inhibition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The immune system generates an antibody response against a polysaccharide bound to a carrier protein through a process called T cell-dependent activation. When a polysaccharide is linked to a carrier protein, it forms a complex antigen that can be processed by antigen-presenting cells and presented to helper T cells (Th2 cells). These Th2 cells then secrete cytokines which are crucial in stimulating B cells to produce antibodies. It's important to note that antibodies against the carrier protein do not prevent B cells from recognizing and responding to the polysaccharide antigen.

Furthermore, T cell-independent antigens, like polysaccharides, can activate B cells without the need for cytokines, because the repeated nature of these antigens can lead to the crosslinking of B cell receptors. However, the presence of a protein carrier can enhance the immune response to the polysaccharide, leading to a more effective and long-lasting immunity via the production of memory B cells.

In summary, mechanisms involving T cell help and the crosslinking property of antigens ensure that the immune system can bypass potential feedback inhibition mechanisms and generate a robust immune response.

User Christophe Blin
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