Question

Immunity in our body is of two types: (i) Innate immunity and (ii) acquired immunity. Innate immunity is a non-specific defence mechanism, whereas acquired immunity is pathogen-specific; it is called specific immunity too. Acquired immunity is characterised by memory. Antibodies are specific to antigens and there are different types of antibodies produced in our body: they are IgA, IgE, IgG, IgC, and IgM. It shows primary response when it encounters the pathogen for the first time and secondary response during the subsequent encounters with the same antigen/pathogen.

Why is the antibody-mediated immunity also called humoral immune response?

Hint:

In organ transplants, immune rejection occurs when the recipient's immune system recognizes the donor tissue as foreign due to differences in MHC molecules. Cell-mediated immunity, involving T-cells, plays a key role in this process.

Answer 1

Antibody-mediated immunity is also called the humoral immune response because the antibodies produced by B cells circulate in the body fluids (or humors) such as blood and lymph. The term “humoral” is derived from the Latin word humor, meaning fluid. Since this immune response occurs via soluble molecules in fluids and not through direct cell contact, it is termed the humoral response.