Final answer:
The TH1 response, linked to cell-mediated immunity, involves cytokine production and macrophage activation to fight intracellular pathogens. The TH2 response is related to humoral immunity, with B cell stimulation for antibody production against extracellular pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between the TH1 response and the TH2 response in the immune system is primarily in their roles and the types of immunity they provide. The TH1 response is involved in cell-mediated immunity, which is the type of immunity that relies on T cells to fight off intracellular pathogens like viruses and some bacteria that reside within cells. It is characterized by the activation of macrophages and the production of cytokines that help in the elimination of these intracellular pathogens.
On the other hand, the TH2 response supports the humoral immune response, which involves the production of antibodies by B cells. These antibodies can neutralize extracellular pathogens such as bacteria and parasites that exist outside the body's cells. TH2 cells play a crucial role in stimulating B cells to produce these antibodies, thereby providing a tailored defense against different types of pathogens.