What type of immunity are B-cells responsible for?

B-cells are primarily responsible for antibody-mediated immunity, also known as humoral immunity. This type of immunity involves the production of antibodies that specifically target and neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. When B-cells encounter an antigen that matches their specific receptor, they become activated. Upon activation, they proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells that secrete large quantities of antibodies into the bloodstream. These antibodies can then bind to antigens, marking them for destruction by other immune cells and preventing the spread of infection.

Antibody-mediated immunity is a crucial component of the adaptive immune response, providing long-term protection and immunological memory against previously encountered pathogens. B-cells are integral to this process, as they not only produce antibodies but also contribute to memory cell formation, enabling a more rapid response during subsequent exposures to the same pathogen.

While the other types of immunity mentioned—in particular, innate immunity and cell-mediated immunity—are important components of the immune system, they involve different mechanisms and cellular responses, with innate immunity being the body’s first line of defense and cell-mediated immunity involving T-cells. Adaptive immunity encompasses both antibody-mediated and cell-mediated pathways, but it is specifically the B-cells that are responsible for the antibody-mediated aspect.