Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certification ONS Practice Test 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Antibodies are a specific type of product produced by B cells, which are a crucial component of the adaptive immune system. When B cells encounter an antigen, they can differentiate into plasma cells, which are specialized cells that produce and secrete large quantities of antibodies. These antibodies are specific to the antigens they recognize, allowing for targeted immune responses against pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

The role of antibodies in the immune response includes neutralizing pathogens, marking them for destruction by other immune cells, and facilitating the clearance of foreign substances from the body. This function is fundamental to achieving long-lasting immunity and forming immunological memory, which is why B cells and their antibody production are essential for effective responses to infections and for the efficacy of vaccines.

In contrast, while interferons and cytokines are indeed important components of the immune response, they are produced by various cell types, including T cells and innate immune cells, rather than being exclusive products of B cells. Complement proteins are part of the innate immune system and assist in the lysis of pathogens and inflammation, but they are also not produced by B cells. Thus, the specificity of antibody production from B cells distinctly identifies it as a primary product of this immune cell type.