What do B cells produce in response to the initial antigen challenge?

In response to an initial antigen challenge, B cells undergo a process called clonal expansion, where they proliferate and differentiate to produce progeny cells, specifically plasma cells and memory cells. Plasma cells are responsible for synthesizing and secreting antibodies, which are crucial for targeting and neutralizing the specific antigen. Memory cells, on the other hand, are long-lived cells that provide the immune system with a way to respond more rapidly and effectively upon subsequent exposures to the same antigen.

This dual production of plasma and memory cells is pivotal for adaptive immunity. Plasma cells contribute to the immediate immune response by producing large quantities of antibodies, while memory cells ensure that the body retains a record of that first exposure, allowing for a quicker and more robust response if the pathogen is encountered again in the future. This memory aspect is a fundamental principle of immunological memory, which is why vaccinations are effective.

Other choices do not fully capture this comprehensive response. While producing antibodies is a component of what plasma cells do, stating "antibodies only" overlooks the crucial role of memory cells. Similarly, while B cells also give rise to memory and effector cells, the focus on progeny cells more accurately describes the outcome of their activation in response to an antigen challenge. Helper