Which immune cells are primarily responsible for producing antibodies?

B cells are primarily responsible for producing antibodies, which are critical components of the adaptive immune response. When B cells encounter an antigen, they undergo a process of activation and differentiation. Some B cells become plasma cells, which are specialized cells that secrete large quantities of antibodies specific to that antigen.

Antibodies play a vital role in neutralizing pathogens, marking them for destruction, and aiding other immune cells in eliminating the threat. This antibody production is a key aspect of the body's ability to remember previous infections, allowing for a more rapid and effective response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.

The other immune cells listed play different roles in the immune response. T cells, while essential for cell-mediated immunity and helping activate B cells, do not produce antibodies themselves. Macrophages are primarily involved in phagocytosis and signaling other components of the immune system but do not produce antibodies. Dendritic cells, important for antigen presentation and activation of T cells, also do not produce antibodies. Thus, B cells are uniquely suited for the role of antibody production.