Which cell type is primarily responsible for producing antibodies?

B-lymphocytes, also known as B cells, are primarily responsible for producing antibodies in the immune system. When B cells encounter a specific antigen, they are activated and differentiate into plasma cells, which are the effector form of B cells. These plasma cells then secrete large quantities of antibodies that specifically target the antigen. This process is crucial for adaptive immunity, as the antibodies help neutralize pathogens and facilitate their elimination from the body.

Understanding the role of B-lymphocytes is essential for recognizing how the immune response functions, especially in the context of vaccine development and infection control. They are a key component of the humoral immune response, which is distinct from the cell-mediated response that T-lymphocytes are primarily involved in. Other cell types, like macrophages and erythrocytes, do not produce antibodies; macrophages are involved in the phagocytosis of pathogens and the presentation of antigens, while erythrocytes are red blood cells that function mainly in oxygen transport.