When small mutations gradually change the surface antigens of a virus so that antibodies to the original virus become less effective, this is known as

A) an arms race.
B) antigenic escape.
C) antibody migration.
D) antigenic drift.
E) spike reassortment.

Antigenic Drift

A mechanism of variation in viruses that causes small changes in the virus particles over time, leading to new strains that may escape immune recognition.

Surface Antigens

Molecules present on the cell surface that can trigger an immune response, used by the body to identify foreign substances.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system in response to foreign substances (antigens), which can neutralize or help destroy antigens.