Do B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes respond in the same way to antigens?
B cells and T cells “see” antigen differently. B cells recognize native antigen. T cells recognize processed antigen. What they have in common is that each cell recognizes only one very specific antigen. B cells respond to antigens by producing antibodies (also called gamma globulins or immunoglobulins) that bind to the antigen. In this activated state they are called plasma cells. Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins. The antibodies of concern in opsoclonus-myoclonus are IgG and IgM. In infections, IgM is first produced, then IgG appears weeks later. IgG is the most common antibody in blood. Each antibody has subtypes. Previous encounters with the same antigen produce memory B cells. Complement can bind to the antigen-antibody complex, but not all antibody responses involve complement. Antibodies destroy the invader by blocking its activity (neutralization), allowing phagocytic white blood cells to recognize it (opsonisation), or by lysing the antigen-containing cell (complement activatio
