Use of Computer Models and Animations to Teach about B Cell (antibody) and T Cell Recombination (TCR)

Abstract

This manuscript presents a technique on how to use both computer models and animations to teach about the process of recombination. This is a traditionally difficult topic taught in both microbiology and immunology classes. Active learning techniques are presented to help teach the students about this process. In more introductory classes, the instructor can teach the students about how antibody molecules are made. In more advanced classes, this topic can be expanded and the students can also learn how T cell receptors are made. Initially, the students are shown an animation of antibody recombination where they can select to see the different segments coming together which are randomly generated. Then, they look at their computers to see the different segments of antibodies shown in different colors and they can select one fragment from the different sections. We feel that the use of these different techniques is important in reinforcing the topic.