This is the correct order of the steps of B-cell activation from first to last:
- Each B cell rearranges its DNA to create a unique B-cell receptor.
- B cells become activated by interacting with helper T cells.
- B cells display antigens in MHC class II receptors on the cell surface.
- B cells undergo clonal selection.
- B cells digest antigens that are bound to the antibodies on their surface.
- Antibodies released by plasma cells bind to antigen so they will be destroyed by other immune system cells.
What are these steps?
Each B cell rearranges its DNA to create a unique B-cell receptor. This process is called somatic hypermutation and it allows each B cell to recognize a different antigen.
B cells become activated by interacting with helper T cells. Helper T cells are activated by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that have engulfed and digested the antigen. Once activated, helper T cells secrete cytokines that activate B cells.
B cells display antigens in MHC class II receptors on the cell surface. MHC class II receptors are molecules that present antigens to helper T cells. Activated B cells engulf and digest the antigen and then present the antigen fragments to helper T cells in their MHC class II receptors.
B cells undergo clonal selection. Clonal selection is the process by which B cells that recognize the antigen are selected to proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells.
B cells digest antigens that are bound to the antibodies on their surface. This process is called phagocytosis and it allows B cells to degrade the antigen and present it to helper T cells.
Antibodies released by plasma cells bind to antigen so they will be destroyed by other immune system cells. Plasma cells are differentiated B cells that produce and secrete antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that bind to specific antigens and mark them for destruction by other immune system cells, such as phagocytes.