What role do B cells play in the adaptive immune response?

B cells are a crucial component of the adaptive immune response, primarily known for their ability to produce antibodies. When B cells encounter a specific antigen—often part of a pathogen—after activation, they differentiate into plasma cells which are specialized for antibody secretion. These antibodies then bind to the specific antigens on pathogens, neutralizing them or marking them for destruction by other immune cells.

This process is essential for targeting infections more effectively, as the antibodies can neutralize toxins, prevent pathogens from entering cells, and enhance the ability of phagocytes to engulf and destroy these pathogens by opsonization. Furthermore, B cells contribute to the formation of memory cells, which provide long-lasting immunity and enable faster and more robust responses upon future exposures to the same pathogen.

The other options pertain to different immune mechanisms. While T cells enhance B cell activation, they do not define the direct role of B cells in antibody production. Engulfing and destroying pathogens is primarily the role of phagocytes like macrophages and neutrophils, while secreting chemicals to initiate inflammation is a function associated with various immune cells, including mast cells, rather than B cells specifically.