Which type of lymphoid cell is responsible for antibody production?

B cells are a type of lymphoid cell specifically responsible for the production of antibodies. When B cells encounter an antigen, they become activated and differentiate into plasma cells, which are the cells that actually produce antibodies. These antibodies are proteins that can bind to specific antigens, marking them for destruction or neutralization by other components of the immune system.

This function is crucial in the adaptive immune response, allowing the body to recognize and remember pathogens it has encountered previously, leading to a more effective response upon subsequent exposures.

T cells, while also important in the immune response, primarily function to help regulate immune responses and destroy infected host cells rather than producing antibodies themselves. Natural Killer cells play a role in the innate immune response and are involved in the direct killing of virally infected cells and cancer cells, rather than antibody production. Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that can differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells, assisting in immune responses but not directly producing antibodies. Thus, B cells are uniquely suited for the role of antibody production in the immune system.