What describes the production of antibodies specifically aimed at fighting infections?

Humoral immunity refers specifically to the aspect of the immune response that involves the production of antibodies by B cells. When the body encounters a pathogen, such as a virus or bacterium, B cells are activated and begin to produce antibodies that are tailored to specifically recognize and bind to the antigens on the surface of that pathogen. These antibodies can neutralize the pathogen directly, mark it for destruction by other immune cells, or prevent the pathogen from entering cells.

This mechanism is different from other options presented. For instance, cell-mediated immunity primarily involves T cells and focuses on directly killing infected cells or activating other immune cells rather than producing antibodies. Innate immunity is the body's first line of defense against pathogens, providing immediate but non-specific responses. Active immunity includes the long-lasting protection gained through exposure to a pathogen or vaccination, leading to antibody production, but it does not specify the mechanism of antibody production as humoral immunity does. Thus, humoral immunity is specifically characterized by the antibody response directed at combating infections.