Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Mature and Immature Lymphocytes?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Mature and Immature Lymphocytes?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Mature and immature lymphocytes are two types of lymphocytes based on their maturation. The main difference between them is their ability to fight against infections in the body:

  • Mature lymphocytes have the ability to fight against infections. They are found in bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, bloodstream, tonsils, and spleen. Mature B cells, for example, express IgM and IgD antigen receptors.
  • Immature lymphocytes lack the ability to fight against infections. They are predominantly found in the bone marrow and rarely in secondary lymphoid tissues. Immature B cells undergo selection for self-tolerance and subsequently for the ability to survive in the peripheral lymphoid tissues.

In terms of cellular features, the ratio of nucleus to membrane area is less than 1 for immature lymphocytes, and the nuclei can be recognized clearly from the images. Spatial light scattering patterns (LSP) can be used to distinguish mature from immature lymphocyte cells, as they provide rich information on the cell's morphology and contents.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Mature and Immature Lymphocytes?
  • Comparative Table: Mature vs Immature Lymphocytes

    • Comparative Table: Mature vs Immature Lymphocytes

    Mature and immature lymphocytes are two types of white blood cells that differ based on their maturation and ability to fight against infections. Here is a table summarizing the differences between mature and immature lymphocytes:

    Feature Mature Lymphocytes Immature Lymphocytes
    Definition Lymphocytes that have the ability to fight against infections in the body. Lymphocytes that do not have the ability to fight against infections in the body.
    Origin Mature lymphocytes are derived from immature lymphocytes, which predominantly originate from the stem cells of the bone marrow. Immature lymphocytes primarily come from the stem cells of the bone marrow and can differentiate into mature lymphocytes.
    Activation Mature lymphocytes can be activated by antigens from antigen-presenting cells. Immature lymphocytes are activated by antigens from antigen-presenting cells and increase in volume, as well as new mRNA and protein synthesis.
    Cell Division Not mentioned. Immature lymphocytes start dividing two to four times every 24 hours for three to five days, with a single immature lymphocyte producing approximately 1,000 clones of its original naive lymphocyte.

    In summary, mature lymphocytes have the ability to fight against infections, while immature lymphocytes do not. Immature lymphocytes are derived from stem cells in the bone marrow and can differentiate into mature lymphocytes, which can be activated by antigen-presenting cells.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.