BOW Explain the difference between the cell mediated and the humoral immune systems

Cell mediated immunity is the type of response that can allow cells of our immune system to recognize which cells in our bodies are virally infected. The T cells seek out these cells, and destroy them, thereby killing the virus contained within them. Once all of the infected cells are wiped out, there is no more virus left in our bodies. By generating a response to the virus, our T cells end up with what is called memory. Next time we are infected by the same virus, certain T cells remember seeing it before and can respond quicker and more explosively.

The Humoral immune system refers to a response by certain cells of the immune system (B cells) which have the ability to make antibodies. Antibodies are proteins which float around in the blood and have a particular ability to bind to a foreign protein. Antibodies can recognize proteins on the surface of invading bacteria. If antibody coats the surface of the bacteria, the cell will more easily recognize that the bacteria is foreign, and try to destroy it.

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