Immunoblast

Immunoblast
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An immunoblast is a lymphocyte that has been activated by an antigen and has undergone blast transformation. This process is crucial in the immune response, as it prepares the lymphocyte to proliferate and differentiate into an effector cell capable of combating pathogens.

Characteristics

Immunoblasts are larger than resting lymphocytes and have increased amounts of cytoplasm, a prominent nucleolus, and abundant RNA. These changes are indicative of the cell's preparation for rapid cell division and protein synthesis.

Function

The primary function of immunoblasts is to proliferate and differentiate into effector cells such as plasma cells or cytotoxic T cells. This differentiation is essential for the adaptive immune system to effectively target and eliminate specific antigens.

Clinical Significance

Immunoblasts can be observed in various lymphoid tissues during an active immune response. Their presence is often noted in lymph nodes during infection or inflammation. In some lymphoproliferative disorders, such as infectious mononucleosis, there is an increased number of immunoblasts.

Related Conditions

• Infectious mononucleosis
• Lymphoma
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

See Also

• Lymphocyte
• Antigen
• Immune system

References

,

 The Role of Immunoblasts in the Immune Response, 
 Journal of Immunology, 
 2020, 
 Vol. 195(Issue: 3), 
 pp. 123-130, 
 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000012,

R,

 Immunology: A Comprehensive Review, 
  
 Academic Press, 
 2019, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-0128144567,