What substance do lymphocytes produce to neutralize pathogens?

Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in the immune response, specifically in recognizing and neutralizing pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. The correct answer, antibodies, are specialized proteins produced by a subset of lymphocytes known as B cells. When a B cell encounters an antigen, which is a foreign substance that triggers an immune response, it can differentiate into a plasma cell that secretes these antibodies.

Antibodies bind to specific antigens on the surface of pathogens, marking them for destruction by other immune cells or neutralizing their harmful effects directly. This process is essential for the adaptive immune system, allowing the body to remember previous infections and respond more rapidly upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.

In contrast, antigens are the substances on pathogens that provoke an immune response, while toxins refer to harmful substances produced by some pathogens. Enzymes, although they can have various functions in biological systems, are not the primary agents used by lymphocytes to neutralize pathogens. Thus, recognizing that antibodies are the key defensive agents made by lymphocytes highlights their critical role in adaptive immunity.