Immunoglobulin class switching

Curr Opin Immunol. 1996 Apr;8(2):199-205. doi: 10.1016/s0952-7915(96)80058-6.

Abstract

Antibody class switching is induced by B-cell activators in the presence of cytokines. The identity of the heavy-chain class to which a B cell is switched is regulated by cytokines and B-cell activators at the level of transcription of unrearranged heavy chain constant genes. Gene-targeting experiments in mice have proved the essential role of these transcripts in switch recombination. Their possible functions are discussed in the context of a model for the mechanisms of class switching.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Immunoglobulin Class Switching*
  • Immunoglobulins / classification*
  • Immunoglobulins / genetics*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins