Mastering A&P Immune System Practice Test 2025 - Free Immune System Practice Questions and Study Guide

Antigens stimulate B cells primarily by binding to B cell receptors (BCRs). Each B cell is equipped with specific receptors on its surface that are designed to recognize and bind to particular antigens. When an antigen successfully binds to the B cell receptor, it triggers a series of intracellular signals that lead to the activation of the B cell. This activation process includes proliferation and differentiation into plasma cells, which are responsible for producing antibodies specific to that antigen. The antibodies are then released into the circulation, where they can neutralize pathogens or mark them for destruction by other immune cells.

This mechanism is foundational to the adaptive immune response, as it allows B cells to precisely target and eliminate specific pathogens. The interaction between the antigen and the BCR is crucial for initiating this aspect of the immune response, emphasizing the importance of this binding process in the adaptive immunity pathway.