B-cell receptor signaling

B-cell receptor signaling is a process that allows B cells, a type of immune cell, to recognize and respond to pathogens like viruses and bacteria. When a pathogen enters the body, it presents specific molecules called antigens. B-cell receptors, which are like sensors on the B cell's surface, bind to these antigens. This binding triggers a series of internal signals within the B cell, activating it to grow, multiply, and mature into plasma cells that produce antibodies. These antibodies help neutralize the pathogens, marking them for destruction and providing long-term immunity against future infections.