Final answer:
The three stages of humoral immunity involve the activation of B cells, their proliferation and differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells, and the formation of memory B cells for quicker response to future infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The humoral immune response is a critical part of the adaptive immune system that primarily involves B cells and the production of antibodies. The three stages of humoral immunity include:
- Activation: Naïve B cells encounter their specific antigen and receive help from T helper cells, which results in B cell activation.
- Proliferation and Differentiation: Activated B cells proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells that are responsible for secreting large amounts of antibodies specific to the pathogens.
- Memory: Some of the differentiated B cells become long-lived memory B cells, which can quickly mount an immune response upon subsequent exposures to the same antigen.
These stages ensure that the body can not only defend against pathogens effectively but also build up an immunological memory that makes future responses more rapid and robust.