Which cells in the dermis are responsible for fighting infections?

Lymphocytes play a crucial role in the immune response, particularly in defending the body against infections. These white blood cells can be found in the dermis as they circulate throughout the body to identify and combat pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Different types of lymphocytes, including T cells and B cells, have specific functions: T cells can directly destroy infected cells, while B cells produce antibodies that neutralize pathogens.

While fibroblasts contribute to the structural integrity of the skin and mast cells are involved in allergic responses and inflammation, they do not have a primary role in fighting infections. Langerhans cells, on the other hand, are specialized dendritic cells in the Epidermis that help initiate the immune response by presenting antigens to lymphocytes, but the primary responsability for fighting infections falls to the lymphocytes in the dermis. Therefore, acknowledging the role of lymphocytes highlights their importance in the skin's defense mechanisms and the broader immune system.