Explain the role of B - lymphocytes in humoral Immunity?

Explanation

Role of B-lymphocytes in humoral immunity: B-lymphocytes undergo maturation and become immunity competent in the bone marrow.
> The B-lymphocytes are responsible for humoral immunity. In this type of immunity, the body fights against the pathogen by producing antibodies, in the fluids like plasma, lymph, etc.
1. When an antigen enters the body, it is recognized by the B-cells which get activated with the help of the helper T - cells, which secrete specific substances called lymphokines for the activation. The cell surface membrane of B-cells is capable of forming only one type of antibody.
2. Once the B-cell is activated, it is bound to the specific antigen and responds by producing 2 types of cells namely plasma cells and memory cells.
3. Plasma cells secrete large quantities of anti-bodies into the general cirulation (Blood and lymph) specific for that antigen.
4. These antibodies act on the antigens and destroy them.
5. The memory cells survive for long periods and persist in the body, ready to mount asecondary response against the pathogen, if a reinfection occurs.