T and B cells are the most important elements of the adaptive immune system. These cells are critical for disease resistance and play a critical role in regulating hypersensitivity to harmless or “self” antigens. T and B cells both recognize specific antigens via a complementary receptor, which is followed by activation and proliferation in order to specifically bind to the antigen of the infecting pathogen.
Despite their similarities, T cells and B cells operate in very different ways within the immune system. We will discuss about the best cell separation technologies in this blog.
T cells play a role in cell-mediated immunity, whereas B cells play a role in humoral immunity (related to antibody production). Furthermore, the surveillance mechanisms of these two cell types differ significantly. T cells recognize viral antigens even when they are not infected, whereas B cells can recognize the surface antigens of bacteria and viruses directly.
Formation of T Cells and B Cells
T and B cells develop from the same cell, the hematopoietic stem cell, which forms in the bone marrow. Hematopoietic stem cells eventually differentiate into B and T cells through differentiation processes. This procedure is depicted in the diagram below:
T and B cell differentiation from hematopoietic stem cells
Following lymphoblast differentiation into either a T or B cell, the cells mature in different locations. T cells leave the bone marrow and migrate to the thymus to mature (this is why they are referred to as thymus-dependent, or “T” cells). In contrast, B cells mature in the bone marrow or the lymph nodes.
Morphology of T Cells and B Cells
T and B cells are difficult to distinguish morphologically because they are both small (8-10 microns in size) cells with a major nucleus containing dense heterochromatin and a cytoplasmic line containing a few ribosomes, mitochondria, and lysosomes.
On their surfaces, all lymphocytes have antigen recognition receptors with a variety of specificities. The genes that code for these structures undergo recombination, providing T and B cells with a diverse repertoire of antigen-specific receptors.
Role of B and T Cells in Immunity
T cells, as previously stated, are mediators of cellular immunity, whereas B cells are involved in antibody production. Both processes are essential to the body’s adaptive immune response. To understand how these cells collaborate to coordinate an effective immune response, the basic functions of each cell type must first be covered.
Humoral Immunity and B Cells
B cells’ primary function is to recognize antigens and then differentiate into plasma cells, which release antibodies to fight infection.
B cells, also known as CD19+ B Cells, use their surface receptors to recognize foreign invaders such as bacteria. When a B cell receptor binds to an antigen, the B cell engulfs it in a process known as receptor-mediated endocytosis.
The antigen is then broken down by the B cell into peptides, which are then displayed on the B cell’s surface. These peptides are linked to a molecule known as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II.
Helper T cells, also known as CD4+ T cells, can recognize and bind to MHC class II through this process. This binding by helper T cells results in the release of cytokines. Cytokines are signaling proteins that stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of other B cells into plasma cells. These plasma cells produce antibodies that are specific to the antigen that is initially bound to the B cell.
T Cells and Cellular-mediated Immunity
Let us now look at the role of T cells in immunity. T cells, like B cells, are antigen-specific and divide rapidly when activated by a specific antigen.
The activation of cytotoxic T cells (or CD8+ T cells) begins with a virus-infected cell. This infected cell contains viral DNA and mRNA, as well as viral proteins and peptides. These viral peptides are presented on the surface of the infected cell by MHC class I.
In this sense, the infected cell warns of CD8+ T cells by displaying infected proteins on its membrane. CD8+ T cells recognize viral peptides via their TCRs and secrete cytotoxins such as perforin or granulysin, resulting in programmed cell death.
Cytotoxic T cells, on the other hand, can kill infected cells via the Fas ligand pathway. Cytotoxic T cells express the Fas ligand, a homotrimeric protein that binds to transmembrane receptor proteins on the target cell. Through a complex signaling process, this binding alters the Fas proteins and causes cell death.
Memory T cells exist alongside helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells. Memory T cells come in a variety of forms, but their main distinguishing feature is their ability to quickly mobilize a specific immune response long after an infection has been eradicated.Memory T cells can rapidly transform into effector T cells and attack a previously encountered pathogen. T and B cells are members of a specialized network of immune cells that respond to pathogens and fight infections. When a pathogen enters your body, your immune system reacts in a variety of ways to combat the threat. Because these threats are so variable, the immune response must be highly adaptable.
Read More: Self-Antigens vs. Non-Self Antigens: Examples & Cluster of Differentiation Markers
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Plurispin
The PluriSpin system isolates negative cells directly from whole blood, buffy coat, or cord blood. Without the use of column or magnets, this new method isolates viable, untouched, and highly purified cells in a single step. As a result, the targeted cells have a lower chance of becoming activated or damaged.
PluriBead
It is a unique cell separation technology without the usage of magnetic components.The procedure is simple: the PluriBeads (containing bound target cells) are sieved through a strainer, with the PluriBeads containing your target cells remaining on top and the unwanted cells passing through. You have your target cells ready after detaching.
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Reference:
Science Direct
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