The humoral response involved mostly B cells that recognize antigens or pathogens that are circulating in the blood. The response that occurs happens through a chain of events. First, the antigen binds to the B cell. Then, helper cells activate the B cell. The B cell then produces plasma cells, which bear antibodies. The antibodies are released and circulate the body to bind to antigens. B cells also produce memory cells, which provide future immunity. The cell mediated response involves T cells and a chain of events occurs to trigger an immune response. Self cells bind to T cells, which then are activated by interleukins. If endogenous antigens are present, T cells produce cytotoxic T cells. If exogenous antigens are displayed, T cells produce helper T cells. Cytotoxic T cells: type of white blood cell involved in the body's immune responses. It assists in killing cells that are infected or damaged in other ways.
B cells: cell involved in immune responses, responsible for killing antibodies. In humoral responses, they recognize antigens or pathogens that are circulating in the blood. It produces plasma cells, which then bear antibodies. Antigens: toxic or foreign substances that induce an immune response. They are recognized by B cells. Antibodies: a protein produced in response to a specific antigen. They recognize the presence of a specific antigen and then react in accordance to that. Because of memory cells, the second time that an antigen is recognized, there is a more efficient and effective immune response. |