Class switching

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-002101",
  "term": "Class switching",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A process in B lymphocytes where the constant region of the antibody heavy chain is changed, leading to the production of a different immunoglobulin class while retaining the same antigen specificity. This genetic recombination event allows B cells to produce antibodies like IgG, IgA, or IgE, which have distinct effector functions, from an initial IgM or IgD expression. It is regulated by cytokines and T cell signals.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "B lymphocyte",
    "immunoglobulin G",
    "immunoglobulin M"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 1113. 'IUPAC glossary of terms used in immunotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 1144 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-11-06-03)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/class-switching/"
}