Antibody Production:
* B lymphocytes (B cells): These are the primary cells responsible for producing antibodies. When a B cell encounters an antigen (a foreign substance), it differentiates into a plasma cell. Plasma cells are antibody factories, churning out large amounts of antibodies specific to that antigen.
Pathogen Destruction:
* Antibodies: These proteins are produced by B cells and bind to specific antigens on pathogens. This binding can directly neutralize the pathogen or mark it for destruction by other immune cells.
* Phagocytes: These cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, engulf and digest pathogens. Antibodies can help phagocytes recognize and target pathogens more efficiently.
* Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs): These cells directly kill infected cells. They recognize infected cells by the presence of antigen fragments displayed on their surface. CTLs then release cytotoxic substances that destroy the infected cell.
* Natural Killer (NK) cells: These cells are part of the innate immune system and can directly kill infected or cancerous cells without the need for prior sensitization. They recognize and kill cells that lack MHC I molecules (a marker of healthy cells).
Important Note: The immune system is a complex network, and these cells often work together in a coordinated fashion.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
