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.
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