Which immune cells are primarily responsible for the humoral immune response?

The humoral immune response is primarily mediated by B cells, which play a critical role in producing antibodies that target specific antigens. When B cells encounter an antigen that matches their specific receptor, they become activated. This activation leads to their proliferation and differentiation into plasma cells, which are specialized for producing large quantities of antibodies. These antibodies then circulate throughout the body and bind to the antigens, marking them for destruction by other immune cells or neutralizing them directly.

In addition to their antibody-producing capability, B cells also contribute to the immune memory, allowing for a more rapid and effective response upon subsequent exposures to the same antigen. This is why B cells are considered fundamental to the humoral immune response, differentiating their function from that of T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, which are involved in other aspects of the immune system, such as cell-mediated immunity and antigen presentation.