B cell

B cell
The cells of the immune system form cells that remember the pathogen for future infections.
Details
Identifiers
Latinlymphocytus B
MeSHD001402
FMA62869
Anatomical terminology
B cell activation

B cells are lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Once the B cell is activated, it turns into a plasma cell,[a] and starts producing antibodies. They are a vital part of the adaptive immune system. They have a protein on the B cell's outer surface known as a 'B cell receptor'. This allows a B cell to bind to a specific antigen.

The main functions of B cells are:

  1. to make antibodies against antigens,
  2. to perform the role of antigen-presenting cells (APCs),
  3. to develop into memory B cells after activation by antigen interaction.

Recently, a new, suppressive function of B cells has been discovered.[1]

In mammals, immature B cells are formed in the bone marrow, hence their name.[2]

Note

  1. ↑ Plasma cell = cell which makes antibodies

References

  1. ↑ Mauri, Claudia; Bosma, Anneleen (2012). "Immune regulatory function of B Cells". Annual Review of Immunology. 30: 221–41. doi:10.1146/annurev-immunol-020711-074934. PMID 22224776.
  2. ↑ Alberts B. et al 2002. Molecular biology of the cell. Garland Science: New York, pg 1367.

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