A researcher is testing a new antiviral agent that reduces the severity of a highly contagious strain of the flu virus. She has found that the antiviral agent only it administered within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. This information would lead the researcher to believe the virus

answer: - b cells

explanation: -

there are many types of white blood cells present in our body. one such class of white blood cells are the lymphocytes. the b cells belong to the lymphocyte class of wbcs. the b cells perform their action against the pathogen by producing specialised proteins called as antibodies. these antibodies are produced as and when the b cells encounter pathogens in response to the antigens present on the surface of the pathogen. these antibodies bind to the antigens present on the pathogen and then, target them for destruction by other cells of the immune system.

so, the b cells mediate their action by identifying the antigens present on the surface of the pathogens and then producing antibodies in return to mediate its effect.