Humoral

Humoral immunity is a part of the immune system that defends the body against pathogens. It is so named because it involves substances found in the humors, or body fluids. It is also called antibody-mediated immunity. Its main components are antibodies and B cells.

Overview

The humoral immune response occurs when a pathogen enters the body and triggers the production of antibodies by B cells. These antibodies are specific to the pathogen and can neutralize it or mark it for destruction by other immune cells. The humoral immune response is particularly effective against bacteria and viruses that are present in body fluids.

B cells

B cells are a type of white blood cell that are responsible for producing antibodies. They are produced in the bone marrow and then migrate to the spleen and lymph nodes, where they are activated by contact with a pathogen. Once activated, B cells divide and differentiate into plasma cells, which produce large amounts of antibodies.

Antibodies

Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are proteins that are produced by plasma cells in response to a specific antigen. They have a unique structure that allows them to bind to the antigen and neutralize it or mark it for destruction by other immune cells. There are five main types of antibodies: IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE.

Humoral immune response

The humoral immune response is initiated when a pathogen enters the body and is recognized by a B cell. The B cell then presents the antigen to a T cell, which activates the B cell. The activated B cell then divides and differentiates into plasma cells, which produce antibodies that are specific to the antigen. These antibodies can neutralize the pathogen or mark it for destruction by other immune cells.

Memory B cells

In addition to plasma cells, the activation of B cells also leads to the production of memory B cells. These cells have a longer lifespan than plasma cells and can quickly produce antibodies if the same pathogen is encountered again. This provides the body with long-term immunity against the pathogen.

See also

• Immune system
• Antibody
• B cell
• T cell
• Memory B cell
• Plasma cell
• Antigen
• Pathogen

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