What is the Difference Between T Cells and B Cells?

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T cells and B cells are both types of lymphocytes that play crucial roles in the body's defense against disease and infection. They are part of the adaptive immune response and have distinct functions:

T cells:

  • Originate in the bone marrow and mature in the thymus.
  • Play a role in cell-mediated immunity.
  • Can be divided into helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells.
  • Protect the body by destroying harmful pathogens and sending signals that help control the immune system's response to threats.
  • Involved in emerging immunotherapy treatments, such as checkpoint inhibitors.

B cells:

  • Originate and mature in the bone marrow.
  • Play a role in humoral immunity.
  • Produce proteins called antibodies to fight pathogens.
  • Involved in the production of plasma cells and memory B cells.

While both T cells and B cells are essential for the body's immune system and overall health, they play different roles in protecting the body from infections and diseases.

Comparative Table: T Cells vs B Cells

Here is a table comparing the differences between T cells and B cells:

Feature B Cells T Cells
Origin Bone marrow Bone marrow
Maturation Mature in the bone marrow Mature in the thymus
Surface antibodies Present Absent
Connection Connect to the surface of invading bacteria and viruses Connect only to the virus antigen on the outside
Function Produce antibodies to fight infection Protect from infection by destroying cancerous and infected cells
Immune Response Humoral (antibodies) Cell-mediated (cytotoxic)

Both B and T cells originate in the bone marrow and are involved in adaptive immunity. They are a type of lymphocytes, have a nucleus, and are motile, non-phagocytic cells that protect the body's immune system and help fight infections.