What is the primary cellular mechanism involved in adaptive immunity?

The primary cellular mechanism involved in adaptive immunity is the production of antibodies by B cells. This process is central to the adaptive immune response, which is characterized by its ability to provide a specific and long-lasting defense against pathogens that the body has previously encountered.

When B cells are exposed to an antigen, they undergo activation and differentiation into plasma cells, which are responsible for producing antibodies. These antibodies specifically bind to the antigen, neutralizing it or marking it for destruction by other immune cells. This ability to produce highly specific antibodies is what distinguishes adaptive immunity from innate immunity, which relies on more general defense mechanisms.

In terms of adaptive immunity, the activation of T cells is also crucial, as T cells play a significant role in orchestrating the immune response and directly attacking infected cells. However, the specific production of antibodies is considered the hallmark mechanism of this adaptive response. Phagocytosis by macrophages is a key component of innate immunity, and an immediate response to pathogens typically falls under innate immunity as well, focusing on non-specific defense mechanisms. Thus, the role of B cells in antibody production is fundamental to understanding adaptive immunity.