Which cells in the immune system are responsible for generating an antibody response?

B cells play a crucial role in the adaptive immune system by generating antibody responses. When B cells encounter an antigen (a substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign), they become activated. Upon activation, B cells proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells, which are specialized for producing antibodies. These antibodies then target specific antigens, marking them for destruction or neutralization.

Additionally, B cells also have a memory function. Some of the activated B cells differentiate into memory B cells, which remain in the body long after the initial infection has been cleared. These memory cells allow for a faster and more robust immune response if the same antigen is encountered again in the future.

The other cells mentioned in the options have different roles within the immune system. For instance, T cells, while essential in the immune response, primarily function in cell-mediated immunity and help activate B cells but do not directly produce antibodies. Macrophages and dendritic cells are important for antigen presentation and the initial stages of the immune response, but they do not generate antibodies. Their main roles involve engulfing pathogens and presenting the antigens to the T cells to help orchestrate a broader immune response.