Antibody affinity maturation

Antibody affinity maturation is the natural process by which our immune system improves the strength of antibodies it produces. When exposed to a pathogen, certain immune cells called B cells generate antibodies to target it. Over time, some B cells undergo genetic changes that produce slightly altered antibodies. Those with stronger binding to the pathogen are selected for survival and proliferation. This process repeats, gradually creating high-affinity antibodies that bind more tightly and effectively to the invader. Affinity maturation enhances the immune response, making it more precise and effective at neutralizing threats.