| Here are some differences
|
| S.N. |
Characteristics |
Humoral Immunity |
Cell-mediated Immunity |
| 1 |
Definition |
The immunity mediated by macromolecules found in the extracellular body fluids is called humoral immunity. (“humor” a medieval term for body fluid) |
The immunity that identifies and destroys infected cells in the body is called cell-mediated immunity. |
| 2 |
Mediator |
The main cell involved in humoral immunity are B-cells. |
The main cell involved in cell-mediated immunity are T-cells. |
| 3 |
Components |
B cells, T cells, and macrophages. |
Helper T cells, cytotoxic T-cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages. |
| 4 |
Pathogen |
The humoral immunity protects against extracellular pathogens and also their toxin. |
The cell-mediated immunity protects against intracellular pathogens. |
| 5 |
Pathogen recognition |
Recognize antigens or pathogens that are circulating in the lymph or blood. |
It responds to any cell that displays aberrant MHC markers, including cells invaded by pathogens, tumor cells, or transplanted cells. |
| 6 |
Antigen detectors |
Phagocytes and antibodies themselves are used to detect antigens. |
Receptors and MHC molecules on the cell surfaces are used to detect antigens. |
| 7 |
Antigen Binding |
B-cells produce antibodies and the antibodies bind to antigens. |
T-cell receptors on cells bind to T-cells which in turn bind to antigens. |
| 8 |
Antigen Processing |
Do not require the processing of antigens. |
Antigens must be processed and presented for T-lymphocyte mediated response. |
| 9 |
Receptor Involved |
It involves B-cell receptors (BCRs). |
It involves T-cell receptors (TCRs). |
| 10 |
Accessory surface receptors/molecules |
Igα, Igβ, Fc receptors, CD40, CD21 |
CD3 molecular complex |
| Dimer of ∑ chain, CD4, CD8, CD2, CD28, integrins |
| 11 |
Type of T-cell involved |
Only the T helper cell (CD4+) is involved. |
Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are involved. |
| 12 |
Antibodies formation |
Antibodies are formed in a humoral response. |
Antibodies are not formed in a cell-mediated immune response. |
| 13 |
Onset |
The onset is rapid. |
The onset is delayed. |
| 14 |
Result |
The end result of the activation is the differentiation of plasma B-cells, secreting antibodies. |
The end result of the activation is the secretion of cytokines. |
| 15 |
Protection against |
Extracellular bacterial or viral pathogens. |
It protects against fungus, viruses, and intracellular bacterial pathogens. |
| 16 |
Immunological surveillance |
It does not provide immunological surveillance. |
It provides immunological surveillance. |
| 17 |
Hypersensitivity reactions |
Hypersensitivity type I, II, and III is mediated by humoral immunity. |
Hypersensitivity type IV is mediated by cell-mediated immunity. |
| 18 |
Role in Organ transplantation and Grafting |
It may be involved in early graft rejection due to preformed antibodies. |
It participates in rejections of organ transplants. |
| 19 |
Immunity against cancer |
It does not provide immunity against cancer. |
As it destroys the tumor and cancerous cells, it provides protection against cancer. |
| 20 |
Assessment method |
From plasma level of antibodies |
Skin test for the development of delayed-type of hypersensitivity |
