Lymphoid cells

Lymphoid Cells

Lymphoid cells are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune system. They are primarily involved in the body's immune response to pathogens, cancer cells, and foreign substances. Lymphoid cells are part of the lymphatic system, which also includes lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and lymphoid tissues.

Types of Lymphoid Cells

There are three main types of lymphoid cells: B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells (NK cells).

B Cells

B cells, also known as B lymphocytes, are responsible for producing antibodies that can bind to pathogens and neutralize them. They are also involved in the humoral immune response, which is the aspect of immunity that is mediated by secreted antibodies.

T Cells

T cells, or T lymphocytes, are involved in the cell-mediated immune response, which is the aspect of immunity that is mediated by immune cells. There are several types of T cells, including helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and regulatory T cells, each with a different function in the immune response.

Natural Killer Cells

Natural killer cells (NK cells) are a type of lymphoid cell that can kill infected cells and cancer cells. They are part of the innate immune system, which is the body's first line of defense against pathogens.

Function of Lymphoid Cells

The primary function of lymphoid cells is to defend the body against pathogens and cancer cells. They do this by recognizing and responding to foreign substances, producing antibodies, and killing infected or cancerous cells.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in lymphoid cells can lead to a variety of diseases, including lymphoma, leukemia, and autoimmune diseases. Understanding the function and behavior of lymphoid cells is therefore crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.

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