Humoral immunity or humoural immunity is the aspect of immunity that is mediated by macromolecules found in extracellular fluids such as secreted antibodies, complement proteins, and certain antimicrobial peptides. Its aspects involving antibodies are often called antibody-mediated immunity.
What is meant by humoral and cellular immunity?
Depending on the kind of foreign invasion, two different immune responses occur: The humoral response (or antibody-mediated response) involves B cells that recognize antigens or pathogens that are circulating in the lymph or blood (“humor” is a medieval term for body fluid).
What is the specific immune system?
The immune system is the third line of defense. It consists of mechanisms and agents that target specific antigens (Ags). An antigen is any molecule, usually a protein or polysaccharide, that can be identified as foreign (nonself) or self (such as MHC antigens described below).