Chapter 16, Problem 3MTF

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Lymphocytes are the class of white blood cells act against foreign particles or pathogens and mainly involved in body’s immune system. Lymphocytes such as T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells are produced in the red bone marrow. They bind to antigens and stimulate an immune response.

T cells or T lymphocytes are produced in bone marrow and matured in the thymus. T cells play a crucial function in cell-mediated immunity. T cells act against intracellular pathogens (for example, viruses) or antigens and they activate the cell-mediated immune response. T cells are classified into three classes (cytotoxic T cells, helper T cells, and regulatory T cells) according to the surface molecules and functions.

B cells or B lymphocytes are produced and matured in red bone marrow and secrete antibodies. B cells have receptors for recognition of antigens and activate antibody response. They act against extracellular pathogens and involved in the humoral immune response.

Natural killer cells play important role in the innate immune system. They recognize and target virally infected cells or cancer cells based on the changes of MHC-I molecules. They destroy the infected or cancer cells by releasing the cytotoxic granules.