B Lymphocytes

Abstract
B-LINEAGE cells constitute one of the principal limbs of the immune system. Their chief function is to produce antibodies to protein and carbohydrate antigens on microorganisms, toxins, or other antigenic substances potentially harmful to the body. The vast array of antibodies belong to nine different immunoglobulin isotypes (IgM, IgD, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1, IgA2, and IgE), each of which has a different biologic advantage.1 IgM antibodies, which are made first, are the most efficient in activating the cascade of complement proenzymes, the active elements of which promote . . .