B-cells
Marrow-derived lymphocytes
B-cells are a type of white blood cell central to the immune system.
They produce antibodies—proteins that recognize and neutralize foreign substances like bacteria and viruses.
B-cells mature in bone marrow and circulate in blood and lymph.
When activated by an antigen, some become plasma cells that secrete antibodies, while others become memory cells that provide lasting immunity.
Also spelled B cells.
Antibody-producing immune cells
- immunoglobulinDefensive blood protein
- heavy chainLarger antibody polypeptide
- class switchingChanging antibody heavy chains
- neutralizationCanceling opposing forces
Immune system targets self
- lymphomaCancer from immune cells
- leukemiaMalignancy of blood-forming tissues
- immunodeficiencyWeakened disease-fighting capacity
- lupusChronic autoimmune disorder
Blood cell birthplace
- hematopoiesisBlood cell production process
- heavy chainLarger antibody polypeptide
- negative selectionRemoval of unsuitable candidates
- stem cellsUndifferentiated cells with regenerative potential
Protective medical injection
- boosterSomething that increases strength
- adjuvantImmunity-boosting additive
- vaccine efficacyHow well inoculations prevent illness
- herd immunityWidespread resistance protecting all
Disease treatment via body's defenses
- monoclonal antibodiesIdentical lab-cloned immune proteins
- immunosuppressionReduced bodily defense activation
- transplantMove tissue between bodies
- infusionSteeping to extract essence
plasma cells
Antibody-producing immune cells
- immunoglobulinDefensive blood protein
- heavy chainLarger antibody polypeptide
- class switchingChanging antibody heavy chains
autoimmunity
Immune system targets self
- lymphomaCancer from immune cells
- leukemiaMalignancy of blood-forming tissues
- immunodeficiencyWeakened disease-fighting capacity
bone marrow
Blood cell birthplace
- hematopoiesisBlood cell production process
- heavy chainLarger antibody polypeptide
- negative selectionRemoval of unsuitable candidates
immunization
Protective medical injection
- boosterSomething that increases strength
- adjuvantImmunity-boosting additive
- vaccine efficacyHow well inoculations prevent illness
clonal expansion
Identical daughter cell multiplication
- dark zoneUnlit area or sector
agglutination
Joining units into wholes
immunotherapy
Disease treatment via body's defenses
- monoclonal antibodiesIdentical lab-cloned immune proteins
- immunosuppressionReduced bodily defense activation
- transplantMove tissue between bodies
- Immune Drugsimmunosuppressants, immunomodulators, immunotherapy, biologics, biologic
- transplant immunityallograft, graft rejection, transplant rejection, organ rejection, tissue rejection
- allergiesallergy, allergies, allergen, allergens, allergist
- immunityimmune, immunity, immune system, immune response, immune cells
- autoimmune symptomsjoint pain, joint swelling, rash, fatigue, inflammation
- immunologyimmune system, immune response, antibodies, antigens, immunity
B-cellsneutrophils
Pathogen-engulfing white blood cells
macrophages · phagocytes · basophils · eosinophils · monocytes