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[[Image:B Cell viral response.jpg|thumb|right|200px|B Cell Immunity to Viruses - B. Catchpole, RVC 2008]]
 
[[Image:B Cell viral response.jpg|thumb|right|200px|B Cell Immunity to Viruses - B. Catchpole, RVC 2008]]
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*Antibodies - these are particularly important in preventing the spread of the virus in the bloodstream
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*[[Immunoglobulin|Antibodies]] - these are particularly important in preventing the spread of the virus in the bloodstream
 
**[[IgA]] production is increased at mucosal surfaces- helps prevent reinfection
 
**[[IgA]] production is increased at mucosal surfaces- helps prevent reinfection
 
**Although antibodies that target any viral protein can be produced, only those directed against proteins found in the virion envelope or infected cell membrane will be effective
 
**Although antibodies that target any viral protein can be produced, only those directed against proteins found in the virion envelope or infected cell membrane will be effective
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**When targeting virus-infected cells, they aid antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by NK cells, macrophages and [[Neutrophils|neutrophils]]
 
**When targeting virus-infected cells, they aid antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by NK cells, macrophages and [[Neutrophils|neutrophils]]
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*Complement - although not considered a major factor in defence against viruses, complement is able to damage the virion envelope (virolysis)
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*[[Complement]] - although not considered a major factor in defence against viruses, complement is able to damage the virion envelope (virolysis)
 
**Coupled with antibody, complement is also able to:
 
**Coupled with antibody, complement is also able to:
 
***block the virus receptor
 
***block the virus receptor
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