Immunoglobulin class switching

Immunoglobulin class switching is a natural process in the immune system where B cells change the type of antibody they produce, without altering the antibody's ability to recognize a specific pathogen. Initially, B cells produce IgM antibodies, but as the immune response progresses, they can switch to producing other types like IgG, IgA, or IgE. This switch allows the body to tailor its defense—such as better targeting microbes in different environments or activating specific immune responses—making the defense more effective over time, while still recognizing the same pathogen.