What type of immune cells are primarily responsible for IgE production?

B cells are primarily responsible for the production of Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These cells are a type of white blood cell that originates from bone marrow and plays a crucial role in the adaptive immune response. When an individual is exposed to an allergen, B cells can be activated by helper T cells and subsequently differentiate into plasma cells that produce IgE antibodies.

IgE is significant in the immune system as it is primarily involved in allergic reactions and in defending against parasitic infections. Upon exposure to an allergen, IgE binds to its specific receptors on mast cells and basophils, leading to the release of histamines and other mediators that cause allergy symptoms.

The other cell types mentioned do play important roles in the immune response but are not directly involved in the production of IgE. T cells aid in the regulation and activation of B cells but do not produce antibodies themselves. Macrophages and dendritic cells are essential for the presentation of antigens and the initiation of the immune response but do not produce IgE. Thus, the identification of B cells as the primary producers of IgE aligns with the understanding of the humoral immune response.