Humoral Immunity
combats pathogens via antibodies
Humoral immunity is a type of immune response that involves the body’s production of specific proteins called antibodies. Antibodies are produced by specialized white blood cells known as B cells. These antibodies circulate in the blood and lymphatic system and bind to foreign substances such as viruses, bacteria, and toxins.
Once bound, the antibodies signal other cells to come and destroy the foreign substance, which could be a virus, bacteria, or other pathogen. This process is known as complement activation, and it can help to clear the body of the unwanted foreign substance.
Humoral immunity is different from cell-mediated immunity, which involves the direct destruction of infected cells by specialized T cells. Humoral immunity primarily targets extracellular pathogens and is effective against many bacterial infections, while cell-mediated immunity is more effective against viral infections and fungal infections.
Overall, humoral immunity is an important component of the body’s immune system, and it plays a crucial role in protecting the body from many types of infections. Understanding how humoral immunity works can help doctors and researchers develop more effective vaccines and treatments for infectious diseases.
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