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What Is the Function of Lymphocytes?

R. Bargar
R. Bargar

The general function of lymphocytes and other components of the immune system is to recognize and eliminate threats to the body. For this system to work effectively, lymphocytes must be able to distinguish between normal cells and infected cells or invasive pathogens. Each of the three types of lymphocytes has this ability. Certain lymphocytes are part of the generalized response of the innate immune system, responding quickly to threats. Others act against specific pathogens or infected cells and are part of the adaptive immune response.

Natural killer cells (NK cells) play a major role in the innate immune system. Once activated, the function of lymphocytes of this subset is to identify and destroy virally infected cells and tumor cells. Using signals detected on pathogen-infected cells that distinguish them from normal cells, the NK cells can differentiate between healthy and infected cells. NK cells then release substances that perforate the cell membrane of the abnormal cell. Once perforated, other molecules released by the NK cells enter and destroy the cell and the viruses infecting it.

A diagram showing different types of white blood cells, including lymphocytes.
A diagram showing different types of white blood cells, including lymphocytes.

The primary function of lymphocytes of the innate immune system is to deliver an immediate response to viral attack. In addition to this function, NK cells can also distinguish cells that are cancerous or have infections caused by microbes. The NK cells target and destroy these cells in the same way they eliminate cells with viral infections. Although the site and process of maturation of NK cells is not fully understood, billions are found circulating in the blood of humans at any one time.

Two types of lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow before birth.
Two types of lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow before birth.

Lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system are specific to a particular antigen — substances foreign to the body. The function of lymphocytes in this secondary line of defense is to identify pathogens and toxins that have previously been encountered. During subsequent encounters, these lymphocytes respond quickly to protect the body from infection. The adaptive immune system includes B lymphocytes, or B cells, and T lymphocytes, or T cells. Both types are produced in the bone marrow; however, B cells mature there, while T cells migrate to the thymus to mature.

One important role of lymphocytes is the production of antibodies, and these plasma cells enter the circulation system, ready to attach to antigens.
One important role of lymphocytes is the production of antibodies, and these plasma cells enter the circulation system, ready to attach to antigens.

B cells function to ultimately produce antibodies specific to an antigen. These antibodies are produced in large quantities, especially with repeated exposure to the antigen. T cells can be further subdivided into several types. Some direct the actions of other immune system cells, while others kill cells infected with specific pathogens. Both B cells and T cells have the capacity to remember antigens for a stronger and quicker response when the antigen is encountered in the future.

Discussion Comments

Glasis

Ironically enough, even bacteria have a type of immune system. It isn't as complex as higher evolved animals, but they have one. Even bacteria can catch something they need to fight off.

Telsyst

A human immune system would be pretty useless if it didn't have some way to adapt. Lucky for us we have an adaptive immune system. This system allows our immune system to better serve our body with a stronger defense as well as an immune system that has a memory.

The body remembers certain pathogens by a process called antigen presentation. The human body has different cells that have the job of recognizing foreign proteins for destruction, while remembering the body's own protein signature and not destroying our own cells.

When an antigen, a foreign substance, is detected in the body a response can be tailored to the invading perpetrator. If the same bacteria enters the body later in life, the response from the memory cells will be all that much faster.

This memory response is the reason you get a flu shot. A weakened or dead version of the flu or influenza is injected into your body. Your body kills this weak disease and memory cells are manufactured in your body. If you happen to get exposed to that version of the flu again, your body will quickly recognize it and will have a response ready.

A major benefit on top of having a response for the flu you where immunized for is that many types of flu have the same protein types. This means your body may pick up on other types of flu that are trying to attack your body faster and respond.

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    • A diagram showing different types of white blood cells, including lymphocytes.
      By: apple1
      A diagram showing different types of white blood cells, including lymphocytes.
    • Two types of lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow before birth.
      By: yanlev
      Two types of lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow before birth.
    • One important role of lymphocytes is the production of antibodies, and these plasma cells enter the circulation system, ready to attach to antigens.
      By: designua
      One important role of lymphocytes is the production of antibodies, and these plasma cells enter the circulation system, ready to attach to antigens.