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Lymphocytes are involved in the identification and destruction of micro-organisms, foreign molecules and cancer cells.
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Lymphocytes are white blood cells

Lymphocytes are involved in the identification and destruction of micro-organisms, foreign molecules and cancer cells.

Lymphocytes

  • Lymphocytes are an important part of the human immune system.
  • Lymphocytes specifically identify and destroy pathogens associated with acute infections and chronic inflammation.
  • The B-Ly level indicates the lymphocyte count in the blood and the L-Ly% value indicates the relative proportion of lymphocytes in all leukocytes.

What are lymphocytes?

Lymphocytes are white blood cells. White blood cells are an important part of the human immune system. They protect the body from attacks of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Bone marrow produces five different types of white blood cells, one of which is the lymphocyte.

Lymphocytes make up an average of 20–30% of all white blood cells. They are involved in the identification and destruction of microorganisms, foreign molecules, and cancer cells, and are especially activated in chronic infections.

How do lymphocytes work in the body?

Lymphocytes are formed in the bone marrow and about 25% of them remain in the bone marrow to mature and become B lymphocytes. The other 75% travel to the mature in the thymus, thus turning into T lymphocytes.

After maturation, the lymphocytes travel in the blood to the secondary lymphatic organs, i.e. the spleen, lymph nodes, and the lymphatic tissues of the body’s mucous membranes in the intestine, tonsils, and adenoids, as well as to the walls of the airways and the urinary tract. There they divide and activate, after which they can participate in specific immune defense.

Specific immunity, or so-called acquired immunity, begins to develop after birth. When the body encounters a new pathogen, information about it is stored in a specialized memory cell.

Each lymphocyte accurately identifies its target and specializes in destroying only these certain types of pathogens. Because of this specialization, there may be thousands of different types of lymphocytes in the body.

B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes work together to fight infection.

What are B lymphocytes?

B lymphocytes maintain immunological memory. Some of the B lymphocytes are converted into special memory cells. They recognise a previously encountered antigen and specialize in plasma cells that produce immunoglobulin, an antibody against the antigen.

What are T lymphocytes?

T lymphocytes are divided into three categories: 

Killer T cells destroy cells infected with antigens. They can also destroy cancer cells as well as foreign cells, such as transplanted organs.

Helper T cells control the immune response of B cells and other T cells. They produce cytokines, or signaling proteins, that increase the division and differentiation of lymphocytes and enhance phagocytosis.

Suppressor T cells keep the immune system in balance. They make sure that the T-cell response stops when the antigen that caused the immune reaction is destroyed.

What is lymphocytopenia (low lymphocyte count)? 

Lymphocytopenia, a lower than normal lymphocyte count, is rarely associated with any specific disease. It can be caused by acute or chronic infections or temporary immune deficiency. Common cold, for example, can cause a decrease in lymphocyte levels.

What are the possible causes of lymphocytopenia? 

In addition to the common cold, other possible causes of lymphocytopenia include: 

As a low lymphocyte count in the blood makes the person susceptible to infections, it should not be ignored.

What is lymphocytosis (high lymphocyte count)? 

Lymphocytosis, a higher than normal lymphocyte count, is usually associated with chronic infections. Lymphocyte counts can also be elevated after a recent infection.

What causes lymphocytosis? 

Possible causes of lymphocytosis include: 

FAQ

If the platelet count is too high, it is important to identify and treat the underlying causes of this condition. Common ways to manage platelet count include hydration and the use of blood thinners such as aspirin as directed by a doctor. In some cases, other medications or treatments may be used, such as blood thinners or treatments aimed at improving blood circulation. It is important to discuss with a doctor before starting any treatment.

An adult human has an average of about five liters of blood. The amount of blood can vary individually and is about 7-8% of a person’s total body weight. For example, a person weighing 70 kilograms has about five and a half liters of blood. The amount of blood is important as it transports oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body and helps remove waste products.

Red blood cells live for an average of 120 days in the human body. After this, they are primarily broken down in the spleen, where their iron is salvaged and used to produce new red blood cells. The lifespan of red blood cells can vary among different people and under different conditions, but 120 days is a generally accepted average.

The treatment of macrocytosis typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause. If macrocytosis is due to a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate, treatment includes supplementing these vitamins. If it is related to alcohol use, reducing or stopping alcohol consumption is recommended. The doctor may also prescribe other treatments depending on the cause of the macrocytosis.

The rate of decrease in MCV (mean corpuscular volume) depends on what has caused the change. For example, in the treatment of iron deficiency, MCV can start to decrease within a few weeks of starting iron supplementation. If the change in MCV is due to other health-related causes, such as vitamin deficiencies or bone marrow diseases, the rate of decrease can vary.

A complete blood count is usually taken when there is a desire to get a comprehensive picture of a person’s general health status or when there is a need to monitor certain health-related changes. A complete blood count can help identify various conditions, such as anemia.

Article updated:
23 October 2024

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