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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Neutrophils and Lymphocytes?

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Neutrophils and lymphocytes are both types of white blood cells (leukocytes) that play a critical role in protecting the body from infections and are part of the immune system. However, there are some key differences between them:

  1. Function: Neutrophils help protect the body from infections by killing bacteria, fungi, and foreign debris. Lymphocytes, on the other hand, consist of T cells, natural killer cells, and B cells, which protect against viral infections and produce proteins to help fight infections (antibodies).
  2. Type of Cells: Neutrophils are polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and granulocytes, while lymphocytes are mononuclear cells and agranulocytes.
  3. Origin: Neutrophils originate from myeloblast cells, whereas lymphocytes originate from lymphoblasts.
  4. White Blood Cell Count: Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells, making up 55-70% of the total count. Lymphocytes make up 20-40% of the total count.
  5. Types of Lymphocytes: There are three types of lymphocytes: T-cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and B-cells.

In summary, neutrophils and lymphocytes are both white blood cells that play important roles in the immune system. Neutrophils primarily protect the body from bacterial and fungal infections, while lymphocytes protect against viral infections and produce antibodies to help fight infections. They differ in their cell types, origins, and abundance within the bloodstream.

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  • What is the Difference Between Neutrophils and Lymphocytes?
  • Comparative Table: Neutrophils vs Lymphocytes

    • Comparative Table: Neutrophils vs Lymphocytes

    Neutrophils and lymphocytes are both types of white blood cells (leukocytes) that play crucial roles in the immune system. Here is a table highlighting the differences between neutrophils and lymphocytes:

    Feature Neutrophils Lymphocytes
    Type of immunity Innate Adaptive
    Main function First line of defense against invading pathogens, through mechanisms such as chemotaxis, phagocytosis, release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), granular proteins, and production and liberation of cytokines Fine-tuned controllers of the immune response, including dendritic cells (DCs), B cells, NK cells, CD4, CD8, and γδ T cells
    Regulatory role Neutrophils recruit, activate, and program other immune cells, secreting an array of pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines and chemokines Lymphocytes interact with neutrophils and play a role in inflammation
    Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) An emerging marker of the relationships between the immune system and diseases. An elevated NLR can be observed in conditions such as bacterial or fungal infection, acute stroke, and myocardial infarction. NLR has an impact on the immune response amplitude, with increased neutrophil numbers decreasing lymphocyte activity

    Neutrophils and lymphocytes interact with each other, and their ratio and sheer numbers have an impact on the immune response amplitude. Increased neutrophil numbers, in particular, decrease lymphocyte activity.

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    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.