Which types of pathogens are B cells primarily responsible for combating?

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B cells are a crucial component of the adaptive immune system, primarily known for their role in producing antibodies. They are especially effective against extracellular pathogens, such as extracellular bacteria. When these pathogens invade the body, B cells can recognize specific antigens on their surface, which stimulates their activation and proliferation. This leads to the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells, which secrete large quantities of antibodies. These antibodies can neutralize bacteria, opsonize them for phagocytosis, and activate the complement system, thereby enhancing the clearance of extracellular bacteria from the body.

While B cells can also play a role against viruses—via the antibodies they produce—viruses predominantly infect host cells and replicate intracellularly. In contrast, intracellular bacteria are primarily targeted by T cells, particularly CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which identify and destroy infected cells. Fungi, while also an important target of the immune system, are generally combated more effectively by other immune components, such as T-helper cells and phagocytes, rather than through direct antibody production by B cells.

Thus, the specific role of B cells in the immune response is central to combating extracellular bacterial infections, making this the correct choice in relation to the types of pathogens that B cells are

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