What type of immunity involves antibody production by B cells?

What type of immunity involves antibody production by B cells?

• A. Cell-mediated immunity
• B. Humoral (antibody-mediated) immunity
• C. Innate immunity
• D. Passive immunity

Answer: (B)

Antibody production by B cells is part of the humoral (antibody-mediated) immunity, the branch of the adaptive immune system that defends against extracellular pathogens. When B cells encounter their specific antigen, often with help from helper T cells, they become plasma cells that secrete antibodies into the blood and lymph. These antibodies bind to antigens on pathogens, neutralizing them directly or tagging them for attack by other parts of the immune system (such as by promoting phagocytosis or activating complement). This is distinct from cell-mediated immunity, which relies on T cells to destroy infected cells rather than producing antibodies. Innate immunity is non-specific and immediate, and passive immunity provides pre-made antibodies from another source rather than producing them itself.

Antibody production by B cells is part of the humoral (antibody-mediated) immunity, the branch of the adaptive immune system that defends against extracellular pathogens. When B cells encounter their specific antigen, often with help from helper T cells, they become plasma cells that secrete antibodies into the blood and lymph. These antibodies bind to antigens on pathogens, neutralizing them directly or tagging them for attack by other parts of the immune system (such as by promoting phagocytosis or activating complement). This is distinct from cell-mediated immunity, which relies on T cells to destroy infected cells rather than producing antibodies. Innate immunity is non-specific and immediate, and passive immunity provides pre-made antibodies from another source rather than producing them itself.