ABSTRACT
The recognition of a foreign cell or substance triggers a complex set of events that result in the acquisition of specific immunity against the corresponding antigen(s). The elimination of “nonself” depends on effector mechanisms able to neutralize or eliminate the source of antigenic stimulation. While the inductive stages of most immune responses require T and B cell cooperation, the effector mechanisms can be clearly subdivided into cell-dependent and antibody-dependent (or humoral). The sequence of events that culminates in the production of antibodies specifically directed against exogenous antigen(s) constitutes the humoral immune response.
