Figure 13. Summary of pathways for antigenic escape from immunologic pressure.

The flow diagram summarizes the consequences of virus mutation. The inset panel is a hypothetical example of the change in the polyclonal spectrum of antibody and T-helper cells as a result of mutation. A mutation in the viral protein at the position marked by the asterisk and dotted line causes loss of MHC binding at that position and hence no further stimulation of T helper clone TH-D and hence loss of antibody of the clonotype B–D.