Which immune cells are responsible for the production of antibodies?

The immune cells primarily responsible for the production of antibodies are B cells. B cells, a type of lymphocyte, differentiate into plasma cells upon activation. These plasma cells synthesize and secrete antibodies, which are proteins specifically designed to bind to antigens. This binding marks pathogens for destruction and neutralization, playing a crucial role in the humoral immune response.

When a B cell encounters its specific antigen, usually with the help of T cells, it undergoes a process called clonal selection and expansion. After a successful response, some of these B cells become memory cells, providing long-lasting immunity by enabling the body to respond more rapidly to future exposures to the same antigen.

Other immune cells like T cells play distinct roles, primarily in cell-mediated immunity rather than antibody production. Macrophages and dendritic cells are essential in presenting antigens and activating other immune cells, but they do not produce antibodies themselves. This distinction highlights the unique function of B cells in the adaptive immune response.