Difference Between Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immunity

Active immunity is the immunity induced in entities by exposure to antigens. It is mediated by two well-defined mechanisms:

  • Cell-mediated Immunity
  • Humoral Immunity.

Both immune pathways differ in their targets, components and methods of destroying pathogens.

Read on to explore what is humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity and the difference between the two.

Humoral Immunity vs Cell-mediated Immunity

The difference between humoral and cell-mediated immunity is given below in a tabular column.

Cell-mediated Immunity

Humoral Immunity

It is mediated by T-cells.

It is mediated by B-cells.
No formation of antibodies.

Formation of antibodies.

Receptors are made used to identify antigens.

Antibodies are made used to identify antigens.
T-cell receptors bind to the T-cell, and the T-cells stick to the antigens.

The antibodies produced by B-cells stick to the antigen.

It protects against viruses, fungi and other intracellular bacterial pathogens. 

It protects against extracellular viruses and bacteria.
It can eliminate tumour cells and thus protects against cancer.

It cannot eliminate tumour cells.

Both CD4+ and CD8+ cells participate in cell-mediated immunity.

Only TH cells participate in humoral immunity.
Mediates hypersensitivity type IV.

Mediates hypersensitivity I, II and III.

It shows a delayed response.

It is quick in response.

Humoral Immunity

Humoral immunity is mediated by antibodies. It shows a quick response against pathogens. It is the major defence mechanism against extracellular microbes trying to invade the host systems. The antibodies produced by the B-cells bind to the antigens and neutralize the microbes.

Cell-Mediated Immunity

Cell-mediated immunity is facilitated by the T-helper and cytotoxic T-cells. Cytokines secreted by the T- helper cells activate phagocytic cells, which phagocytose the pathogens and kill them.

Similarities between Cell-mediated and Humoral Immunity

Following are the similarities between cell-mediated and humoral immunity:

  • Both humoral and cell-mediated immunity are active immunities.
  • Both have a lag period.
  • Both are active against a wide variety of pathogens.
  • Both possess immunological memories.
  • Both systems are not effective in immune-deficient individuals.

These were a few differences between humoral and cell-mediated immunity. To know more about the difference between humoral and cell-mediated immunity, keep visiting BYJU’S website or download BYJU’S app for further reference.

Also Read:

Difference Between DNA And RNA Difference Between Genotype And Phenotype
Difference Between Spermatogenesis And Oogenesis Difference Between Allele And Gene

 

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