In B cell development, which differentiated cell type is primarily responsible for producing and secreting large amounts of antibodies?

• A. T helper (CD4+) cell
• B. Hematopoietic stem cell
• C. Plasma cell
• D. Naive mature B cell

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the stages of B cell development, starting from hematopoietic stem cells, which give rise to all blood cells including B cells.
2. Recognize that naive mature B cells are mature B cells that have not yet encountered their specific antigen and therefore do not secrete antibodies.
3. Identify that T helper (CD4+) cells assist B cells by providing signals necessary for their activation but do not produce antibodies themselves.
4. Learn that upon activation by antigen and help from T helper cells, B cells differentiate into plasma cells.
5. Know that plasma cells are the differentiated B cell type specialized in producing and secreting large amounts of antibodies.