Which cell type is central to humoral immunity?

Which cell type is central to humoral immunity?

• A. Macrophages
• B. Natural killer cells
• C. B cells
• D. T cells

Answer: (C)

Humoral immunity is the antibody-mediated defense of the body, and it centers on B lymphocytes. When B cells encounter an antigen, they can become plasma cells that secrete large amounts of antibodies. These antibodies circulate in blood and lymph, bind to pathogens or toxins, neutralize their effects, and tag them for attack by other parts of the immune system through mechanisms like opsonization and complement activation. This extracellular targeting and antibody production are the hallmark of humoral immunity, and it’s distinct from cellular immunity, which is driven by T cells destroying infected cells or coordinating responses. Macrophages are mainly involved in phagocytosis and antigen presentation, natural killer cells are part of the innate immune response with cytotoxic activity, and T cells mediate cellular immunity rather than producing antibodies.

Humoral immunity is the antibody-mediated defense of the body, and it centers on B lymphocytes. When B cells encounter an antigen, they can become plasma cells that secrete large amounts of antibodies. These antibodies circulate in blood and lymph, bind to pathogens or toxins, neutralize their effects, and tag them for attack by other parts of the immune system through mechanisms like opsonization and complement activation. This extracellular targeting and antibody production are the hallmark of humoral immunity, and it’s distinct from cellular immunity, which is driven by T cells destroying infected cells or coordinating responses. Macrophages are mainly involved in phagocytosis and antigen presentation, natural killer cells are part of the innate immune response with cytotoxic activity, and T cells mediate cellular immunity rather than producing antibodies.