Mechanisms of antibody affinity maturation in fishes

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Mutation of genes is usually viewed as a cause of disease in animals. Our bodies even look for, and try to correct mutations. However in one instance mutations are encouraged to occur in a bid to combat disease. This happens only in B-cells, which are immune system cells that secrete antibodies. Antibodies recognize and help eliminate invading bacteria and viruses. In B-cells, mutations are directed against the antibody genes in an attempt to improve the ability of the antibodies to recognize and bind pathogens. In fact, part of the reason we vaccinate, is to give the body a chance to mutate the antibody genes so that when an actual infection occurs, our antibodies can quickly recognize the infection and clear it.