B cell (redirected from B cells)

B cell

n.

1. See beta cell.

2. A type of lymphocyte that, when stimulated by a particular antigen, differentiates into plasma cells that synthesize the antibodies that circulate in the blood and react with the specific antigens. Also called B lymphocyte.

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B cell (B lymphocyte)

A type of white blood cell derived from bone marrow. B cells are sometimes called B lymphocytes. They secrete antibody and have a number of other complex functions within the human immune system.

Mentioned in: AIDS Tests, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia

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B cell,

a type of lymphocyte that originates in the bone marrow and produces antibodies. A precursor of the plasma cell, it is one of the two lymphocytes that play a major role in the body's immune response. Also called B lymphocyte. Compare T cell. See also plasma cell.

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B cell

see B lymphocyte.

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B cell

B lymphocyte Hematology One of the 2 major classes of lymphocytes, which comprises 30% of circulating lymphocytes and is concentrated in the follicular zones of lymphoid tissue–in contrast T cells is located in the deep cortex; B cells are responsible for antibody production, a transformation evoked by interaction with the appropriate CD4 T-helper cells; Igs are responsible for specific defense against viruses and bacteria, immune surveillance–cytolysis of potentially malignant 'self' cells, mediation of antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, allergic reactions, formation of antigen-antibody complexes, and production of cytokines; surface and cytoplasmic antigens indicate the degree of B cell maturation and function; cytoplasmic IgM is present in pre-B cells and surface Ig in mature B lymphoctytes and plasma cells; complement receptors are seen in mature cells; B cell 'markers' include CD9, CD10, CD19, CD20, CD24, Fc receptor, B1, BA-1, B4 Ia. See Pan B cell markers, Cf T cells.