B-cells are part of the adaptive immune system and are involved in humoral (antibody-mediated) immunity. The adaptive immune system is able to identify specific pathogens. In an initial immune response, B-cells bind to extracellular pathogens through their B-cell receptor. The pathogen is processed, and the B-cell then displays it on its MCHII cellular receptor. T-helper cells are critical to the next step. When they bind to the MCHII antigen on the B-cell, the helper T cell stimulates the B-cell to become a plasma cell. These plasma cells create antibodies, a specific type of protein that binds to pathogens, effectively killing them (Carter, 2021). After an initial activation, many clones are made from these B-cells, and some of these B-cells also become memory cells. Memory cells remember specific antigens so that if that antigen ever invades the body again, the immune response is much faster due to the previous experience that created the memory cells (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
If Bruce’s infection were a primary infection, there would be a latent period, which is the process of the immune system responding to the antigens. It would take 7-10 days to produce the first antibodies (IgM). However, if this were a secondary immune response, meaning Bruce had already been infected with the same antigen once before, then his immune system would respond very quickly. In secondary immune responses, there is no long latent phase. Memory cells are throughout the lymphatic system and start making IgG antibodies as soon as they come in contact with the same antigen. The immune response is so fast that many people don’t even realize they are sick. (Chamberlain, 2023). My explanation to Bruce on how his immune system works would depend on whether this was a primary or secondary infection he was experiencing.
References
Carter, D. (2021, November 10). T cells, B cells and the immune system. MD Anderson Cancer Center. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/t-cells–b-cells-and-the-immune-system.h00-159465579.html#:~:text=B%20lymphocytes%2C%20also%20called%20B
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 1). B Cells: Types and Function. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24669-b-cells
Chamberlain. (2023, November 26). Epidemiology. Edapt.