Which type of immune response involves the production of specific antibodies against pathogens?

The production of specific antibodies against pathogens is central to humoral immunity. This branch of the adaptive immune response is primarily mediated by B cells, which, upon encountering an antigen, differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies. These antibodies are tailored to bind specifically to the antigens present on the pathogens, marking them for destruction or neutralization. This process provides targeted protection against specific pathogens and is a crucial aspect of the immune memory response, allowing for quicker and more effective responses upon subsequent exposures to the same pathogen.

In contrast, innate immunity refers to the body's first line of defense against pathogens and involves general mechanisms such as physical barriers and immune cells that attack any invading organism without specificity. Cell-mediated immunity, on the other hand, is driven by T cells, which target infected or abnormal cells rather than producing antibodies. Passive immunity involves the transfer of pre-formed antibodies from one individual to another, offering temporary protection but not involving the production of antibodies by the recipient's own immune system. Thus, the focus on the production of specific antibodies clearly aligns with humoral immunity.