Which cells are considered the effectors of the immune response?

The effectors of the immune response include both B cells and T cells because they play crucial roles in recognizing and responding to pathogens. B cells are responsible for the humoral immune response, where they produce antibodies that specifically target antigens present on pathogens. Once activated, B cells can differentiate into plasma cells, which secrete large quantities of antibodies to neutralize threats.

On the other hand, T cells are a key component of the cell-mediated immune response. They have various subtypes, such as cytotoxic T cells, which can directly kill infected or cancerous cells, and helper T cells, which assist other immune cells in mounting an effective response. The collaboration between B cells and T cells ensures a comprehensive immune response, where B cells tackle extracellular threats through antibody production, while T cells address intracellular threats through cytotoxic action and regulation of immune functions.

Therefore, recognizing both B cells and T cells as effectors emphasizes their respective roles in orchestrating the immune defense against diverse pathogens.