1. Lymphocytes.
Lymphocytes are white blood cells uniform in appearance but varied in function and include T, B, and natural killer cells. These cells are responsible for antibody production, direct cell-mediated killing of virus-infected and tumor cells, and regulation of the immune response. Advances in immunology have led to the characterization of newly appreciated effector populations such as IL-17-producing T cells, T cells with regulatory function, and natural killer T cells, thus revising established paradigms. This chapter provides an overview of the major lymphocyte populations with emphasis on their development, distinguishing characteristics, and functions.
Larosa
David F
DF
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Orange
Jordan S
JS
D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007156:Immunologic Memory; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000502:physiology; D008214:Lymphocytes; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*
D000941:Antigens