Humoral and Cellular Immunities: Mechanisms and Classifications
Overview
This paper examines the two primary mechanisms of immune response: humoral immunity mediated by antibodies produced through B cell and T cell interaction, and cellular immunity mediated by T lymphocytes targeting intracellular pathogens. The paper classifies humoral immunity into active and passive types, further subdivided into natural and artificial variants, explaining how each mechanism protects against different pathogenic threats.
What this essay covers
- Definition and mechanisms of humoral immunity, including antibody production and antigen neutralization
- Cellular immunity processes mediated by T lymphocytes and cytokine release against infected cells
- Classification of humoral immunity into active versus passive immunity, with natural and artificial subdivisions
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Humoral and Cellular Immunities
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Humoral and Cellular Immunities
Humoral immunity is usually mediated by antibodies. The antibodies are usually produced by the influence of T cells on B cells, leading to the differentiation of plasma B cells into antibodies against particular antigens. The humoral immunity works against antigens from pathogens that are circulating freely. After the B cells produce antibodies, they bind the antigens and neutralize them, leading to lysis or phagocytosis. On the other hand, cellular immunity takes place outside the affected cells and is usually mediated by T lymphocytes. The pathogens antigens are usually expressed on the surface of cells or through antigens that are expressed within the surface of the cells. This type of immunity identifies and destroys all infected cells. This type of immunity usually protects against any form of intracellular pathogens (Aryal, 2018). Whenever a cell shows any abnormal behaviors, especially those invaded by pathogens or tumor cells. The T cells act by releasing cytokines which assist T cells that are activated to bind infected cells, and distinguish them into a cytotoxic T cell.
There are different types of humoral immunity, which are categorized into active and passive immunity. In active humoral immunity, there is an active production of antibodies after an individual is exposed to a foreign antigen. Active immunity can be induced through vaccination or natural after an individual is exposed to the pathogen. On the other hand, passive immunity is when a person is injected or received an antibody from another individual.