Which antibody is produced in the immediate (early) response to antigen exposure?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $25.99Unlock all

Study for the NBME Immunology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Prepare to excel!

Multiple Choice

Which antibody is produced in the immediate (early) response to antigen exposure?

Explanation:
The immediate early antibody response is dominated by IgM. When a naive B cell first encounters an antigen, it becomes activated and begins secreting IgM as the initial antibody. IgM is released mainly as a pentamer, giving it ten antigen-binding sites and high overall avidity, which helps rapidly neutralize pathogens and activate complement in the early phase. Over time, with T cell help and germinal center reactions, B cells undergo class switching to produce other isotypes—IgG, IgA, or IgE—which occur later and provide more specialized or higher-affinity responses. So, IgM is the best answer for the initial response.

The immediate early antibody response is dominated by IgM. When a naive B cell first encounters an antigen, it becomes activated and begins secreting IgM as the initial antibody. IgM is released mainly as a pentamer, giving it ten antigen-binding sites and high overall avidity, which helps rapidly neutralize pathogens and activate complement in the early phase. Over time, with T cell help and germinal center reactions, B cells undergo class switching to produce other isotypes—IgG, IgA, or IgE—which occur later and provide more specialized or higher-affinity responses. So, IgM is the best answer for the initial response.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy