Which cell type is responsible for antibody production?

B lymphocytes, or B cells, are the cell type primarily responsible for antibody production. These cells are a crucial component of the adaptive immune system. When B cells are activated by antigens, they undergo a process known as clonal expansion and differentiate into plasma cells. Plasma cells are specialized B cells that secrete large volumes of antibodies, which are proteins designed to bind to specific antigens found on pathogens or foreign substances. This binding helps in neutralizing the pathogen or marking it for destruction by other immune cells.

In terms of function, B lymphocytes also have the capability to undergo class switching, which allows them to produce different classes of antibodies (like IgM, IgG, IgA, etc.) depending on the type of immune response required. This versatility enhances the effectiveness and specificity of the immune response, making B cells essential for long-term immunity as well.

The other cell types listed have different roles in the immune response. T lymphocytes are primarily involved in cell-mediated immunity and could help activate B cells but do not produce antibodies themselves. Macrophages are important for phagocytosis and presenting antigens to T cells, but they do not produce antibodies. Neutrophils are primarily involved in the rapid response to infection, working