Comparison between B Lymphocytes and T Lymphocytes

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: February 3, 2024

Let me share with you a comparison between B Lymphocytes and T Lymphocytes.

 

AspectB- Lymphocytes T- Lymphocytes
ProductionProduce and mature in the bone marrow.Produce in the bone marrow but mature in the thymus.
ActivationActivated by direct contact with antigens or through signals from helper T cells.Activated by antigens presented on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), with the help of helper T cells.
Antigen ReceptorsBCRs receptors present on the surface of B cells, which recognize antigens directly.TCRs receptors are present on the surface of  T cells which recognize antigens
Types·        B memory cells

·        B plasma cells

·        B regulatory cells

·        Helper T cells (CD4+)

·        Cytotoxic T cells (CD8+)

·        Regulatory T cells (Tregs)

Functions·        B cells can differentiate into plasma cells, producing antibodies that neutralize or tag pathogens for destruction.·        T cells can directly kill infected cells (cytotoxic T cells),

·        Helps to activate other immune cells (helper T cells)

·        Regulate immune responses (regulatory T cells).

Role in Immune ResponsePrimary role is in humoral immunity, involving the production of antibodies.Play roles in cell-mediated immunity (cytotoxic T cells) and help coordinate immune responses (helper T cells).