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Which process involves the mutation of immune receptors during an immune response to generate higher-affinity receptors?

A. Affinity maturation
B. Antigen processing
C. Hematopoiesis
D. Receptor editing

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

A. Affinity maturation. Affinity maturation is the process that involves the mutation of immune receptors during an immune response to generate higher-affinity receptors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process that involves the mutation of immune receptors during an immune response to generate higher-affinity receptors is Affinity maturation. Affinity maturation occurs in the context of B cell maturation, specifically in the production of antibodies by B cells.

During affinity maturation, B cells undergo mutations in their immunoglobulin gene variable regions, resulting in B cells with slightly altered antigen-binding sites. On re-exposure to the antigen, those B cells capable of producing antibody with higher affinity antigen-binding sites will be stimulated to proliferate and produce more antibody than their lower-affinity peers.

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