Which cells are primarily responsible for producing antibodies in the immune system?

B cells are the primary cells responsible for producing antibodies in the immune system. When B cells encounter antigens—substances that trigger an immune response—they can differentiate into plasma cells. These plasma cells are specialized for synthesizing and secreting large quantities of antibodies tailored to that specific antigen.

Antibodies play a crucial role in the immune response by neutralizing pathogens, marking them for destruction, and facilitating their removal from the body. Each B cell is programmed to produce a specific type of antibody that corresponds to a particular antigen, allowing for a highly specific immune response. This ability makes B cells essential for adaptive immunity, where the body can "remember" past infections and respond more effectively to subsequent exposures to the same pathogens.

Understanding the function of B cells underscores the importance of their role not only in immediate immune defense but also in long-term immunity, such as that conferred by vaccinations.