Activated B lymphocytes differentiate into which cells that secrete antibodies?

Activated B lymphocytes differentiate into which cells that secrete antibodies?

• A. Plasma cells
• B. Macrophages
• C. Dendritic cells
• D. Cytotoxic T cells

Answer: (A)

In the humoral immune response, B lymphocytes become antibody factories after activation. When a B cell recognizes an antigen and gets help from helper T cells, it undergoes differentiation into plasma cells. These plasma cells are specialized for producing and secreting large amounts of antibodies (immunoglobulins), which circulate and neutralize pathogens, tag them for attack, or activate other parts of the immune system. Some B cells also become memory B cells for quicker responses upon future exposures. Other cell types like macrophages, dendritic cells, and cytotoxic T cells have different roles—phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and killing infected cells—so they do not secrete antibodies.

In the humoral immune response, B lymphocytes become antibody factories after activation. When a B cell recognizes an antigen and gets help from helper T cells, it undergoes differentiation into plasma cells. These plasma cells are specialized for producing and secreting large amounts of antibodies (immunoglobulins), which circulate and neutralize pathogens, tag them for attack, or activate other parts of the immune system. Some B cells also become memory B cells for quicker responses upon future exposures. Other cell types like macrophages, dendritic cells, and cytotoxic T cells have different roles—phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and killing infected cells—so they do not secrete antibodies.