somatic hypermutation

Somatic hypermutation is a process that occurs in certain immune cells called B cells, where their DNA rapidly changes to produce slightly different versions of antibodies. This variation helps the immune system find and produce antibodies that are better at recognizing and attacking specific pathogens, like viruses or bacteria. Essentially, it’s like trial-and-error editing at the genetic level, fine-tuning the body's defense molecules to improve their effectiveness. This process occurs after initial exposure to an invader and enhances the body's ability to respond more efficiently upon future encounters.