What type of immune cell is important for secreting antibodies?

Plasma cells are specialized immune cells that play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response by secreting antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins. These cells are derived from B lymphocytes, which upon activation by an antigen, proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells.

Once differentiated, plasma cells produce large quantities of antibodies that are specific to the antigens they encountered. These antibodies help neutralize pathogens and mark them for destruction by other components of the immune system, enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections.

In contrast, T memory cells are involved in maintaining long-term immunity but do not secrete antibodies. Helper T cells assist in activating B cells and other immune cells but do not produce antibodies themselves. Cytotoxic T cells are primarily responsible for killing infected or cancerous cells, rather than antibody production. This delineates the specific functional role of plasma cells in the immune response, making them the essential component for antibody secretion.