Humoral immune response

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-005430",
  "term": "Humoral immune response",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "An immune response mediated by macromolecules, primarily antibodies, circulating in the extracellular fluids. This defense mechanism is initiated when B lymphocytes recognize a specific antigen, leading to their proliferation and differentiation into plasma cells that secrete large quantities of antibodies. These antibodies can then neutralize pathogens, mark them for phagocytosis, or activate the complement system.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "complement system",
    "phagocytosis"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 1113. 'IUPAC glossary of terms used in immunotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 1179 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-11-06-03)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/humoral-immune-response/"
}