Which immune response primarily involves B lymphocytes?

The humoral immune response primarily involves B lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. When B cells encounter a pathogen or foreign antigen, they can differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies specific to that antigen. These antibodies bind to pathogens, marking them for destruction and neutralizing their effects.

The humoral response is a key component of the adaptive immune response, which is characterized by its specificity and the ability to remember past infections, allowing for a quicker response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen. While the adaptive immune response encompasses both humoral and cell-mediated aspects, the specific focus of this question is on the role of B lymphocytes, thus highlighting the humoral immune response as the correct answer.

In contrast, the cell-mediated immune response primarily involves T lymphocytes and does not focus on B cells or antibodies. The innate immune response is a non-specific first line of defense that does not adapt or involve B lymphocytes or antibodies in the way that the humoral response does. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the unique function of B lymphocytes in producing antibodies to combat specific antigens.