Question

What are examples of humoral immunity?

Answer 1

Antibodies are large ‘Y’-shaped proteins that are used by the immune system to scan and destroy foreign bodies. Antibodies are also called immunoglobulins. These antibodies have evolved to target different antibodies.

Complete answer:
Humoral immunity is the immunity mediated by macromolecules present in extracellular fluids. Extracellular fluid is the fluid present outside the cells of a multicellular organism. It is also called antibody-mediated immunity. These macromolecules include antibodies, proteins and antimicrobial peptides. Humoral immunity contrasts with cell-mediated immune responses. Both the innate and acquired immune systems of humans contain the elements of humoral immunity.
Humoral immunity involves the following:
- Activation of Th2
- Production of cytokine
- Formation of germinal center
- Memory cell generation
Humoral immunity also includes the effector functions of antibodies. These effector functions include neutralization of pathogens and toxins, promotion of phagocytosis and elimination of pathogens.
Antibodies are found in the blood and tissue fluid. They are also present in various secretions. There are five types of mammalian antibodies, namely:
- IgA
- IgD
- IgE
- IgG
- IgM
Each class of immunoglobulins has a specific feature and different characteristics. Immunoglobulins are secreted by the plasma cells of the body. These plasma cells are derived from B cells. Each antibody has a specific target. This target is identified and destroyed by the antibody.

Note:
Incompatible blood transfusions are maintained by the humoral immune response. This acute haemolytic reaction results in a rapid decrease in the red blood cell count as the humoral immune response starts destroying the donor red blood cells.