Which type of immunity involves the involvement of B lymphocytes?

Humoral immunity is specifically associated with the activation and function of B lymphocytes, which play a crucial role in the immune response. When B cells encounter a specific antigen, they differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies targeted against that antigen. These antibodies are released into the bloodstream and lymphatic system, where they bind to pathogens, neutralizing them and marking them for destruction by other immune cells.

This type of immunity is distinct from cell-mediated immunity, which primarily involves T lymphocytes responding to infected or abnormal cells, and does not rely on antibodies. Active immunity refers to the process by which the immune system is exposed to an antigen and mounts a response, which can involve both humoral and cell-mediated components. Innate immunity, on the other hand, refers to the body's initial, non-specific defenses against pathogens, such as physical barriers and immune cells like macrophages, which do not involve the specific recognition of antigens by B cells.

Understanding the role of B lymphocytes in humoral immunity is essential for grasping how the adaptive immune system functions to protect the body against infectious diseases.