Which cell type is primarily responsible for antibody production?

• A. B cells
• B. T helper cells
• C. NK cells
• D. Dendritic cells

Answer: (A)

Antibody production is carried out by B lymphocytes. When a B cell recognizes its specific antigen and receives activation signals (often with help from helper T cells), it proliferates and differentiates into plasma cells. These plasma cells become antibody factories, secreting large quantities of antibodies into the blood and lymph to bind the antigen. The antibodies then mediate neutralization, opsonization, and activation of the complement system, helping clear the infection. Helper T cells are essential for promoting a strong humoral response, but they do not produce antibodies themselves. NK cells and dendritic cells have other roles—NK cells attack infected or abnormal cells, and dendritic cells present antigens to shape the response—rather than generating antibodies.