Which of the following cells plays a key role in the immune response by producing antibodies?

Lymphocytes are a crucial component of the immune system, particularly in the adaptive immune response. They are primarily responsible for the production of antibodies, which are specific proteins that recognize and bind to foreign antigens, such as viruses or bacteria. This binding helps to neutralize pathogens and mark them for destruction by other immune cells.

There are different types of lymphocytes, with B cells specifically tasked with antibody production. Once activated by the presence of an antigen, B cells differentiate into plasma cells, which are the effector cells that secrete antibodies. This process is vital for developing long-lasting immunity and for generating memory cells that respond more rapidly upon subsequent exposure to the same antigens.

In contrast, neutrophils primarily engage in the phagocytosis of pathogens, monocytes differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells that also partake in phagocytosis and antigen presentation, and eosinophils are mainly involved in combating parasitic infections and modulating allergic responses. While all these cells play important roles in the immune system, only lymphocytes are directly responsible for antibody production, highlighting their key role in the humoral immune response.