Access
To read this story in full you will need to login or make a payment (see right).
News and Views
Nature 419, 29-31 (5 September 2002) | doi:10.1038/419029a
Open Innovation Challenges
-
Direct Molecular Detection of Proteins and Nucleic Acids
This Challenge is looking for novel approaches to protein and nucleic acid detection. This is an Id...
-
Methods to Analyze Consumer Emotions
The Seeker is looking for methods to analyze consumer emotions. This Challenge requires only a writ...
nature jobs
Research Assistant / Associate
- University of Glasgow
- Glasgow, UK
Business Manager
- Indegene Lifesystems Pvt. Ltd
- Bengaluru 560 071 India
Immunology: The roots of antibody diversity
Patricia J. Gearhart
Abstract
When faced with foreign molecules our antibodies mutate, allowing them to bind to the intruders more strongly. In a story full of surprises, it looks as though the mechanism of mutation has finally been revealed.
One of the tactics our immune system uses to fight off intruders is the production of protective antibody proteins, which recognize and neutralize foreign molecules. Antibodies are secreted by the B cells of the immune system, and are unique among our proteins in their unlimited potential for diversity.
To read this story in full you will need to login or make a payment (see right).

