Basis of differentiation | Humoral immunity | Cell-dedicated immunity |
Definition | Is a form of immunity in which B-lymphocytes and plasma cells produce antibodies to defend against pathogens and foreign substances in the body | Is a form of immunity in which specialized T cells direct target and destroy infected or abnormal cells in the body |
Components produced | Produces components of B-cell and T-cell antibodies | Produces components of helper T-cells, cytotoxic T- cells, natural killer (NK)-cells and macrophages |
Main cells involved in immunity | B-cells | Mature T-cells and lymphocytes |
Protection against | Extracellular bacterial or viral pathogens | Viruses, fungi, and intracellular bacterial pathogens |
Pathogen recognition and response | Recognizes and reacts to antigens or pathogens circulating in the lymph or blood | Responds to all cells that exhibit anomalous MHC markers, including cells invaded by pathogens, tumor cells, or transplanted cells |
Immunological surveillance | Does not provide immunological surveillance | Provides immunological surveillance due to the presence of an MHC class of molecules |
Line of defense | Is the first line of defense | Is the second line of defense |
Activation | Always active in the body and circulated by body fluid | Only active when triggered by mature T-Cells and macrophages |
Type of T-cell involved | Helper T-cell (CD4+) | Helper T-cell (CD4+) and cytotoxic T-cell (CD8+) |
Receptor Involved | B-cell receptors (BCRs) | T-cell receptors (TCRs) |
Antigen detectors | Phagocytes and antibodies themselves | Receptors and MHC molecules present on the cell surfaces |
Antigen processing and presentation | Not required | Is required for T-lymphocyte mediated response |
Antigen Binding | Antibodies, which are produced by B-cells, bind to antigens | T-cells bind to T-cell receptors on cells before binding to antigens |
Antibodies formation | Antibodies are formed | Antibodies are not formed |
Onset | Rapid onset | Delayed onset |
Result | Activation results in the differentiation of plasma B-cells and secreting antibodies | Activation results in cytokine secretion |
Type of hypersensitivity reactions mediated | Hypersensitivity type I, II, and III | Hypersensitivity type IV |
Immunity against cancer | Does not provide immunity against cancer | Provides protection against cancer by destroying the tumor and cancerous cells |
Role in organ transplantation and grafting | May be involved in early graft rejection because of preformed antibodies | Is involved in rejections of organ transplants |
Assessment method | From plasma level of antibodies | Skin test for the development of delayed-type of hypersensitivity |