Which term describes the use of immune cells, antibodies, or vaccines to treat or prevent disease?

• A. Immunizations
• B. Immunotherapy
• C. Gene therapy
• D. Stem cell research

Answer: (B)

Immunotherapy describes the use of the immune system to fight disease, including approaches that involve immune cells, antibodies, or vaccines to treat or prevent illness. This term covers both therapeutic uses—such as antibody therapies or cell-based treatments—and preventive or vaccine-based strategies used to stimulate an immune response against disease. Immunizations are vaccines used to prevent disease, so they’re related but more narrowly focused on prevention rather than the broader treatment-and-prevention scope of immunotherapy. Gene therapy changes genetic material to treat or prevent disease, and stem cell research concentrates on repairing or replacing tissues. Therefore, immunotherapy is the best fit for describing the use of immune cells, antibodies, or vaccines to treat or prevent disease.