Chapter 16, Problem 5MTF

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

B cells or B lymphocytes are produced and matured in the red bone marrow. Plasma cells are differentiated B cells that secrete immunoglobulins or antibodies into the lymph or blood. Antibodies are classified into five, namely antibodies IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE, and IgD. Antibodies play important role in the immune system, they destroy pathogens by recognizing their antigens. B cells have receptors for recognition of antigens and activate antibody response. They act against the extracellular pathogens or toxins and involved in the humoral immune response.

T cells or T lymphocytes are produced in bone marrow and matured in the thymus. T cells play a crucial function in the 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 surface molecules and functions.