What type of cells produce antibodies in the body?

Plasma cells are specialized immune cells that are responsible for producing antibodies. These cells are differentiated from B cells, which, when activated by an antigen, can develop into plasma cells. The primary role of plasma cells is to synthesize and secrete large quantities of antibodies (also known as immunoglobulins), which are essential for the immune response against pathogens. Antibodies bind to specific antigens to neutralize them or mark them for destruction by other components of the immune system.

Understanding the function of plasma cells is crucial in immunology, as their ability to produce antibodies is fundamental to the body's defense mechanisms. This is particularly relevant in contexts such as vaccination, where the goal is to elicit a strong antibody response to protect against infections.