
Stages in development B cells  
• Phase 1: B cell precursors in bone marrow acquire 
 functional antigen receptors via gene rearrangements 
• Phase 2: elimination anti-self (tolerance) in bone  
marrow and 2nd lymphoid tissues 
• Phase 3: positive selection for B cells expression of  
pathogen specific Ig in 2nd lymphoid tissues 
• Phase 4: mature B cells circulate via lymph and blood 
 to lymphoid tissues patrolling for infections 
• Phase 5: proliferation and clonal expansion pathogen  
specific B-cells in 2nd lymphoid tissues 
• Phase 6: maturation into: 
• plasma cells =>remain in 2nd lymphoid tissues, express large quantities
 pathogen specific Ab 
• memory B cells (circulate) for rapid Ab generation in case of future
 infections with same pathogen