Final answer:
IL-13 produced by T helper cells 2 (TH2) stimulates naïve B cells to proliferate and differentiate into memory B cells and antibody-secreting plasma cells, contributing significantly to the humoral immune response.
Step-by-step explanation:
Interleukin 13 (IL-13) produced by T helper cells 2 (TH2) plays a critical role in the humoral immune response. The cytokine IL-13 secreted by TH2 cells is instrumental in stimulating naïve B cells to proliferate into clonal daughter cells. Through this action, it contributes to the development of memory B cells which are quick to respond to subsequent exposures to the same protein epitope.
Additionally, IL-13 influences the differentiation of activated B cell clones into plasma cells that then lose their membrane receptors and are transformed into cells solely focused on antibody production.The role of TH2 cells extends to orchestrating antibody class switching in B cells. This crucial process enables B cells to vary the type of antibody they produce, such as IgM, IgG, IgA, or IgE, tailoring the immune response to the nature of the pathogen encountered.