clonal selection

Clonal selection is the phenomenon whereby the antigenic determinant (epitope) of a previously unencountered cognate antigen can stimulate naïve B lymphocytes to proliferate (clonal expansion) and differentiate into memory B cells and plasma cells that produce antibodies against the antigen (primary response). That is, the antigen itself determines (selects) the characteristics of clones of B cells that expand (multiply and specialize) after encounter with the antigen.

Should the epitope be encountered again, the memory B cell-conducted secondary response will be specific, more rapid, and elicit a greater production of antibodies than was the first-encounter, primary response. Vaccination takes advantage of immunological memory in that the individual is primed for efficient, rapid response to epitopes associated with disease producing organisms.


Tables  Complement Receptors  Cytokines  Fc receptors  Immune Cytokines  Immunoglobulins  Interferons  Scavenger Receptors  Toll-like Receptors

tags [Immunology] [clone]