What type of cells are responsible for producing antibodies?

The cells responsible for producing antibodies are B-cells, also known as B-lymphocytes. B-cells play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response. Upon encountering an antigen, which is a substance that the immune system identifies as foreign, B-cells can be activated. Once activated, B-cells differentiate into plasma cells that secrete large quantities of antibodies specific to that antigen.

Antibodies are proteins that specifically bind to antigens, facilitating their neutralization or destruction. This process is vital for the immune system to effectively combat infections and protect the body from pathogens.

T-cells, while critical to the immune response, primarily function in regulating immune responses and directly attacking infected or cancerous cells rather than producing antibodies. Macrophages are part of the innate immune system and are involved in engulfing pathogens and presenting antigens to B-cells and T-cells, but they do not produce antibodies. Dendritic cells are also involved in antigen presentation and help activate T-cells and B-cells but do not produce antibodies themselves. Thus, the production of antibodies is uniquely attributed to B-cells.