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Difference Between Humoral and Cell Mediated Immunity, Roles and Secretion

Difference Between Humoral and Cell Mediated Immunity is that humoral immunity is primarily driven by B cells, while mature T cells, macrophages, and the release of cytokines primarily drive cell-mediated immunity
authorImageKrati Saraswat23 May, 2025
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Difference Between Humoral and Cell Mediated Immunity

Difference Between Humoral and Cell Mediated Immunity:  Humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity are two distinct parts of the body's defense against harmful agents like bacteria, viruses, and toxins. They both rely on lymphoid cells but have significant differences in their work. Obtaining humoral immunity to a specific infection or disease is possible by receiving antibodies from someone previously exposed to the same infection.

This method bypasses the usual humoral response. However, it's important to note that antibody-mediated immunity involves a unique set of molecular components and processes different from those associated with cell-mediated immunity. This article explores the variations between humoral and cell-mediated immunity, detailing their processes, purposes, and essential cell types involved.

Difference Between Humoral and Cell Mediated Immunity Overview

The immune system has two main components: humoral immunity and cellular immunity. Humoral immunity, also known as antibody-mediated immunity, is the process by which B cells become plasma B cells with the assistance of helper T cells. These plasma B cells produce antibodies to combat specific pathogens circulating in the body. Antibodies bind to pathogens and either neutralize or destroy them. Cellular immunity, on the other hand, occurs inside infected cells and is controlled by T lymphocytes. These cells target and eliminate pathogens residing within infected cells. Helper T cells produce cytokines, which help activated T cells attach to infected cells and differentiate into cytotoxic T cells. These cytotoxic T cells then destroy infected cells.
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Difference Between Humoral and Cell Mediated Immunity 

Humoral immunity, which is primarily mediated by B cells, generates antibodies that are specific to antigens. Cell-mediated immunity, which does not rely on antibodies for adaptive immune functions, is primarily regulated by mature T cells, macrophages, and the release of cytokines in response to an antigen. The following table consists of the difference between humoral and cell mediated immunity. 
Difference Between Humoral and Cell Mediated Immunity
Feature Humoral Immunity Cell-Mediated Immunity
Mediation Macromolecules in pathogens T-cells, Lymphocytes
Activation Always active in body fluids Requires triggering by mature T-cells and macrophages
Mediating Cell B-cells Mature T-cells, Lymphocytes
Components B-cell and T-cell antibodies T-Helper cells, T-Cytotoxic cells, NK-cells, Macrophages
Secretion Directly secretes body fluids Produced in bone marrow, matures in thymus, released to body fluids
Defense Role First line of defense Second line of defense
Memory Development Short-term memory through immediate responses Long-term memory after B-cell antibody concentration increases
Saturation Point Saturation point after continuous concentration increase No saturation point, continually recycled through apoptosis
Action Mechanism Acts against antigen, doesn't lead to apoptosis of pathogen Leads to apoptosis of T-cells, Lymphocytes, NK-cells through direct action
Pathogen & Recognition Acts against extracellular pathogens, recognizes pathogens in body fluids Acts against intracellular pathogens, requires MHC class I & II molecules for recognition
Antibodies B-cell receptors involved, always extracellular T-cell receptors involved, present intracellular
Immune Responses Forms antibodies through B-cell and T-cell responses Doesn't form antibodies directly, produces effector cells
Onset Responses Rapid and short-term responses Delayed and long-term responses
Effect Against Provides defense against viruses and bacteria, not against cancer Can act against cancer cells, sometimes destroys them
Most Research Not effective, no ongoing modification for cancer immunotherapy Cytotoxic T-cells extensively studied for cancer immunotherapy
Secretion of Antibodies Produces IgE, IgM, IgG, IgD, and IgA antibodies Produces cytotoxic cells, Lymphocytes, T-helper cells, T-cytotoxic cells, NK-cells, Macrophages
Affect And Response Can lead to autoimmune diseases Can also lead to autoimmune diseases
Early Graft Rejection Involved in early graft rejection due to performing antibodies Participates in organ transplantation rejection
Immunological Surveillance Does not provide immunological surveillance Provides immunological surveillance through MHC class molecules
Immunological Assessment Assessed from plasma levels of antibodies Assessed through skin tests for delayed hypersensitivity

Humoral Immunity

When the body detects foreign substances, known as antigens, it initiates an immune response mediated by antibodies. These extracellular invaders, such as bacteria, are commonly present in the identified foreign material. The key players in this process are B cell lymphocytes, an immune cell that produces antibodies upon recognizing a specific antigen. Naive B cells, a subtype of lymphocytes, circulate throughout the body via the lymphatic system. These cells generate antigen-specific molecules crucial for identifying infectious pathogens in the human body. Upon encountering an antigen in the lymphatic system, naive B cells undergo differentiation, leading to memory B cells and effector B cells forming. Throughout this development, memory B and effector B cells produce identical antigen-specific molecules as their parent naive B cells. Activated memory B cells display these molecules on their surface with the assistance of T-cell lymphocytes. T cells are activated by MHC class II receptors recognizing microbial-associated antigens. In contrast, effector B cells release these molecules into the bloodstream to bind to the targeted antigen. 

Cell-Mediated Immunity

In cases where a severe disease poses a threat beyond the capabilities of the humoral immune response, the body enlists the cell-mediated immune system. This system reinforces antibody production, enhancing defense against infectious viruses and bacteria. Its significance is especially pronounced during pandemics caused by bacterial transmission. The cell-mediated immune system defends the body against exte
rnal threats when antibodies are insufficient. It involves activating phagocytes, T-lymphocytes, and antigen-specific cytotoxicity. A small amount of protein from invading bacteria stimulates the immune response. This protein is injected into the human body to protect against pandemics.  Within 24 hours of injection, a red nodule forms at the injection site. The primary function of the cell-mediated immune response is to eliminate virus-affected cells from the human body. Additionally, it proves highly effective in defending against attacks from protozoa, fungi, and intracellular bacteria.

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Difference Between Humoral and Cell Mediated Immunity FAQs

What distinguishes cell-mediated immunity from humoral immunity?

B cells activate humoral immunity, while T cells activate cell-mediated immunity. The primary distinction is that humoral immunity generates antigen-specific antibodies, whereas cell-mediated immunity does not.

How does antibody-mediated immunity differ from cell-mediated immunity?

Cell-mediated immune responses safeguard the body by releasing cytokines, while antibody-mediated immune responses protect the body by secreting antibodies.

Can you provide an example of humoral immunity in action?

A tangible example of humoral immunity is the transfer of antibodies from the mother's body to the fetus, occurring through a natural passive process. On the other hand, artificial active immunity is built when an antigen enters the body through the form of dead or attenuated agents through vaccines (humoral immunity vaccines).

What does CMI stand for?

CMI stands for cell-mediated immunity, a type of immune response involving the activation of macrophages and natural killer cells (NK cells) to eliminate intracellular infections.

What do CMI and HMI represent?

CMI stands for Cell-Mediated Immunity, indicating an immune response mediated by T-cells. HMI stands for Humoral Immunity, representing an immune reaction mediated by B-cells.
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