Which type of blood cells are primarily involved in the immune response?

Leukocytes, or white blood cells, are the primary cells involved in the immune response. They are crucial for identifying and neutralizing pathogens like bacteria and viruses. There are several types of leukocytes, including lymphocytes (such as T cells and B cells), neutrophils, and monocytes, each playing a specific role in the immune system.

Lymphocytes, in particular, are integral to adaptive immunity. T cells can directly attack infected cells, while B cells are responsible for producing antibodies that bind to pathogens, facilitating their destruction. This capability of leukocytes to adapt and respond to various threats makes them essential in maintaining the body's defense mechanisms. Their abundance in the bloodstream and ability to travel to sites of infection further underscores their importance in the immune response.

While platelets play a role in blood clotting and are important for wound healing, they do not participate directly in the immune response. Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, are responsible for oxygen transport rather than immune functions. Plasma cells are actually differentiated B cells that secrete antibodies, and while they contribute to the immune response, they are a subset of leukocytes rather than a separate category.