Tlymfosyyttejä

Tlymfosyyttejä, more commonly known as lymphocytes, are a type of white blood cell crucial to the adaptive immune system. They are responsible for recognizing and eliminating specific pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, as well as abnormal cells like cancer cells. Lymphocytes originate in the bone marrow and mature in various lymphoid organs.

There are three main types of lymphocytes: B cells, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. B cells produce antibodies, which are proteins that target and neutralize foreign invaders. T cells are more diverse, with different subtypes playing roles in direct cell killing (cytotoxic T cells), regulating immune responses (helper T cells), and suppressing immune activity (regulatory T cells). NK cells are part of the innate immune system and can quickly kill infected or cancerous cells without prior sensitization.

Lymphocytes circulate throughout the body via the bloodstream and lymphatic system. They play a vital role in immunological memory, meaning that after an initial encounter with a pathogen, they can mount a faster and stronger response upon subsequent exposures. This memory is the basis of vaccination. Abnormalities in lymphocyte numbers or function can lead to various diseases, including immunodeficiencies, autoimmune disorders, and certain types of cancer.