The Difference Between Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immunity
As living organisms, we are constantly exposed to various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Our immune system serves as our defender against these harmful agents. The immune system’s two main modes of defense are humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity.
Humoral Immunity
Humoral immunity, also known as antibody-mediated immunity, is mediated by antibodies, which are proteins produced by B cells. B cells are a type of white blood cell that recognize and bind to specific antigens on the surface of pathogens. The process begins when a pathogen enters the body and is recognized by B cells. These B cells then produce an army of antibodies that bind to the pathogen and neutralize the threat. This process is known as the primary response, and it is the main mechanism of defense against extracellular pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses.
Once the body has produced these antibodies, the system can then identify and fight the pathogen in future encounters. This is known as the secondary response and is much faster and more efficient than the primary response.
Cell-Mediated Immunity
Cell-mediated immunity, also known as cellular immunity, is mediated by T cells, a type of white blood cell that identifies and destroys infected cells in the body. T cells recognize and bind to specific antigens displayed on the surface of the infected cell. Once the T cell binds to this antigen, it destroys the infected cell, which helps prevent the spread of the pathogen.
Cell-mediated immunity is the primary mechanism of defense against intracellular pathogens like viruses, fungi, and parasites. Unlike humoral immunity, cell-mediated immunity doesn’t rely on the production of antibodies.
Conclusion
Both humoral and cell-mediated immunity play crucial roles in protecting our bodies from harmful pathogens. Humoral immunity is effective against extracellular pathogens, while cell-mediated immunity is effective against intracellular pathogens. Understanding the difference between these two types of immunity helps us understand how our immune system works and how we can optimize our bodies’ natural defenses.
Table difference between humoral and cell mediated immunity
Sorry, as an AI language model, I cannot create visual content like tables. However, I can provide you with the differences between humoral and cell-mediated immunity:
Humoral Immunity | Cell-Mediated Immunity
———— | ————-
It’s an immunity response that is mediated by antibodies that are produced by B-cells. | It’s an immunity response that is mediated by immune cells called T-cells and does not involve antibodies.
It’s effective against pathogens that are found in body fluids such as blood, saliva, and lymph. | It’s effective against pathogens that are found inside body cells such as viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells.
It’s responsible for the production of memory B-cells that recognize and neutralize pathogens in subsequent infections. | It’s responsible for the production of memory T-cells that recognize and kill pathogens in subsequent infections.
It’s less effective in fighting intracellular infections. | It’s more effective in fighting intracellular infections.
It involves the recognition of antigens by B-cells, which then differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies against the antigens. | It involves the recognition of antigens by T-cells, which then differentiate into cytotoxic T-cells that directly kill infected cells or helper T-cells that activate other immune cells.
Examples of humoral immunity include the response to vaccines, the production of antibodies against bacteria, and the treatment of certain diseases with immunoglobulin therapy. | Examples of cell-mediated immunity include the rejection of transplanted organs, the destruction of virus-infected cells, and the control of cancer cells.