Isotype switch

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-006268",
  "term": "Isotype switch",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A process in B lymphocytes where the constant region of the antibody heavy chain is changed from one isotype to another, while the variable region, which determines antigen specificity, remains the same. This allows the B cell to produce antibodies with different effector functions while maintaining its antigen-binding specificity. It is regulated by cytokines and occurs in germinal centers.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "B lymphocyte",
    "constant region",
    "heavy chain",
    "isotype",
    "variable region"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 1113. 'IUPAC glossary of terms used in immunotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 1197 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-11-06-03)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/isotype-switch/"
}