Which of the following answers is a major difference between cell-mediated and humoral immunity?

• A. Cell-mediated immunity utilizes T cells while humoral immunity utilizes B cells to respond to infection.
• B. Cell-mediated immunity involves antigens presented on APCs while humoral immunity involves free antigens.
• C. Cell-mediated immunity responds to antigens outside of cells. Humoral immunity responds to antigens within a cell.
• D. A and B.
• E. B and C.
• F. All of the above are major differences between cell-mediated and humoral immunity.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the two types of adaptive immunity: cell-mediated and humoral immunity. Cell-mediated immunity primarily involves T cells, while humoral immunity involves B cells and the production of antibodies.
2. Identify the role of T cells in cell-mediated immunity. T cells are responsible for recognizing and responding to antigens presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as macrophages and dendritic cells.
3. Recognize the role of B cells in humoral immunity. B cells produce antibodies that bind to free antigens in the body fluids, neutralizing them or marking them for destruction by other immune cells.
4. Analyze the statement about antigens: Cell-mediated immunity involves antigens presented on APCs, whereas humoral immunity deals with free antigens. This highlights the different mechanisms of antigen recognition and response.
5. Evaluate the options given: Determine which statements correctly describe the differences between cell-mediated and humoral immunity. Consider whether each statement accurately reflects the roles and mechanisms of T cells and B cells in the immune response.