B cells produce antibodies
The clonal selection of B cells generates antibody–secreting plasma cells, the effector cells of humoral immunity. Binding of antibodies to antigens on the surface of pathogens leads to elimination of the microbes by phagocytosis and complement–mediated lysis.
Humoral immunity (also called the antibody–mediated system) is the aspect of immunity that is mediated by macromolecules (as opposed to cell–mediated immunity) found in extracellular fluids such as secreted antibodies, complement proteins and certain antimicrobial peptides. Humoral immunity is so named because it involves substances found in the humours, or body fluids. The humoral response (or antibody–mediated response) involves B cells that recognize antigens or pathogens that are circulating in the lymph or blood. The principal function of B cells is to make antibodies against soluble antigens.
An antibody is used by the acquired immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses. Each antibody recognizes a specific antigen unique to its target. By binding their specific antigens, antibodies can cause agglutination and precipitation of antibody–antigen products, prime for phagocytosis by macrophages and other cells, block viral receptors and stimulate other immune responses, such as the complement pathway. The clonal selection of B cells generates antibody–secreting plasma cells, the effector cells of humoral immunity. The five major antibody classes differ in their distributions and functions within the body. Binding of antibodies to antigens on the surface of pathogens leads to elimination of the microbes by phagocytosis and complement–mediated lysis.