Editing Memory B cell (section)

== Primary response ==
Upon infection with a pathogen, many B cells will differentiate into the [[plasma cell]]s, also called effector B cells, which produce a first wave of protective [[antibodies]] and help clear infection.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":22" /> Plasma cells secrete antibodies specific for the pathogens but they cannot respond upon secondary exposure. A fraction of the B cells with BCRs cognate to the antigen differentiate into memory B cells that survive long-term in the body.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Gatto D, Brink R | title = The germinal center reaction | journal = The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology | volume = 126 | issue = 5 | pages = 898–907; quiz 908–9 | date = November 2010 | pmid = 21050940 | doi = 10.1016/j.jaci.2010.09.007 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The memory B cells can maintain their BCR expression and will be able to respond quickly upon secondary exposure.<ref name=":12" />