Lymphocytes and the Immune System
Lymphocytes, or white blood cells, are thought to be a crucial component of the immune system in humans. These cells can be divided into T cells and B cells once they have reached adulthood. When it comes to the body's immunity, both groups are essential.
Differences in Functionality
Although both groups of cells work toward the same goal, which is to protect the body from toxins, their functional strategies are completely different from one another. T cells, for instance, have the ability to directly assault other cells that have been exposed to an antigen. This ability is absent in B cells which have to produce antibodies that, in turn, interfere with the progress of an antigen within the body. In particular, the antibodies attach themselves on to the foreign substance and, thereby, attract the involvement of T cells which resort to eliminating the antigen, as well as other cells that have become infected.
T-Lymphocytes
T-lymphocytes can further be sub-divided into CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. The former, which are also referred to as T-helper cells, facilitate the functionality of the latter which, in turn, are tasked with attacking antigens directly. Notably, CD4+ T cells detect the presence of antigens within the body and release cytokines to signal the activation of both CD8+ T cells and B cells. Notably, the surface of T-helper cells contains a glycoprotein known as CD4. Upon activation, CD4+ T cells activate other immune cells, including B cells and cytotoxic T cells, as well as other non-immune cells. Conversely, upon being activated by CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells go ahead to attack foreign toxins that have found their way into the body. These coordinated efforts result in the body being protected against infections that would otherwise have occurred.
