Which cells are primarily involved in the humoral immune response?

The cells primarily involved in the humoral immune response are B-cells. This response is essential for producing antibodies that neutralize pathogens and mark them for destruction. When B-cells encounter their specific antigen, they undergo activation and differentiation into plasma cells, which are cells that produce large quantities of antibodies. These antibodies are then released into the bloodstream, where they can bind to the antigens on pathogens or infected cells, leading to their neutralization and elimination.

The humoral immune response is a critical component of the adaptive immune system, and B-cells are unique in their ability to differentiate into memory cells after the initial exposure to an antigen. This allows for a more robust and rapid response upon subsequent encounters with the same pathogen. The other cell types listed, while important in other aspects of the immune response, do not primarily mediate the humoral response. Macrophages are more involved in phagocytosis and the presentation of antigens, T-cells typically handle cell-mediated responses, and natural killer cells are primarily engaged in targeting virus-infected cells and tumors through direct cytotoxic action.