lymphocytatípusok

Lymphocytatípusok refers to the different types of lymphocytes, a crucial component of the adaptive immune system. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that play a vital role in identifying and neutralizing foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and abnormal cells. The main categories of lymphocytes are B cells, T cells, and Natural Killer (NK) cells.

B cells, also known as B lymphocytes, are primarily responsible for humoral immunity. They produce antibodies, which are proteins that specifically bind to antigens on the surface of pathogens, marking them for destruction by other immune cells or directly neutralizing them. Upon encountering an antigen, B cells differentiate into plasma cells, which are the antibody-producing factories, and memory B cells, which provide long-term immunity.

T cells, or T lymphocytes, are central to cell-mediated immunity. There are several subtypes of T cells, with the most prominent being helper T cells (CD4+ T cells) and cytotoxic T cells (CD8+ T cells). Helper T cells orchestrate the immune response by activating other immune cells, including B cells and cytotoxic T cells. Cytotoxic T cells directly kill infected cells or cancerous cells by releasing toxic substances. Regulatory T cells are another important subtype that suppress the immune response to prevent autoimmunity.

Natural Killer (NK) cells are a distinct type of lymphocyte that belongs to the innate immune system, though they share some characteristics with lymphocytes. NK cells can recognize and kill target cells, such as virus-infected cells and tumor cells, without prior sensitization. They achieve this by detecting changes in the surface molecules of these cells. NK cells are important for early defense against infections and for controlling the spread of cancer. The specific functions and interactions of these lymphocyte types are essential for maintaining health and combating disease.