Which white blood cell type is primarily associated with antibody production?

Which white blood cell type is primarily associated with antibody production?

• A. Neutrophils
• B. Monocytes
• C. B lymphocytes
• D. Eosinophils

Answer: (C)

Antibody production is carried out by B lymphocytes, which are part of the adaptive humoral immune response. B cells mature in the bone marrow and carry surface immunoglobulin as B cell receptors. When their specific antigen is encountered and they receive help from helper T cells, they activate and proliferate, differentiating into plasma cells that secrete large quantities of antibodies. These antibodies circulate to neutralize pathogens, tag them for destruction (opsonization), and activate the complement system, with some B cells becoming memory cells for a faster response upon re-exposure. Other white blood cells have different primary roles: neutrophils are frontline phagocytes, monocytes become macrophages or dendritic cells for phagocytosis and antigen presentation, and eosinophils fight parasites and modulate allergic reactions. Therefore, the white blood cell type most closely associated with antibody production is the B lymphocyte.

Antibody production is carried out by B lymphocytes, which are part of the adaptive humoral immune response. B cells mature in the bone marrow and carry surface immunoglobulin as B cell receptors. When their specific antigen is encountered and they receive help from helper T cells, they activate and proliferate, differentiating into plasma cells that secrete large quantities of antibodies. These antibodies circulate to neutralize pathogens, tag them for destruction (opsonization), and activate the complement system, with some B cells becoming memory cells for a faster response upon re-exposure. Other white blood cells have different primary roles: neutrophils are frontline phagocytes, monocytes become macrophages or dendritic cells for phagocytosis and antigen presentation, and eosinophils fight parasites and modulate allergic reactions. Therefore, the white blood cell type most closely associated with antibody production is the B lymphocyte.