Abstract
In this article, we review three mechanisms that contribute to sustaining serum antibody levels: (i) long-lived plasma cells; (ii) persisting or cross-reactive antigen, and (iii) poyclonal activation of all memory B cells. We also present a quantitative analysis of the secondary immune response that reveals the relative contribution of antigen induced short- and long-lived plasma cells versus polyclonal activation of all memory B cells. Antigenic boost sustains high levels of serum antibodies only for a few months, while polyclonal activation sustains low levels of protective antibodies for a human lifetime.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Vaccine |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | SUPPL. 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 1 2003 |
Keywords
- Antibodies
- Plasma cells
- Serological memory
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- veterinary(all)