Lymphocytes are white blood cells that are part of the immune system in most vertebrates. They include natural killer cells (NKs), T cells, and B cells. They make up between 18% and 42% of the white blood cells in the body. In most people, lymphocytes are the main type of cell in the lymph.
Normal lymphocyte range
The normal lymphocyte range varies from person to person and depends on several factors. For example, your lymphocyte count may be lower than the normal range for your sex or age. In these cases, it is important to consult a doctor. A physician will determine the cause of your lymphocyte count and treat the condition accordingly.
If your lymphocyte count is low, this can mean that your immune system is weak. It can also mean that your antibodies are low, making it harder to fight off infections. Furthermore, low lymphocytes can affect your T-cells and your natural killer cells (NK cells), which are responsible for identifying cancer cells.
Lymphocyte counts vary from person to person and lab to lab. However, a normal range is typically between 1,000 and 4,800 lymphocytes per microliter of blood. In children, this number is usually closer to three to nine thousand. However, a high lymphocyte count may be a symptom of a more serious illness such as lymphocytosis.
Low lymphocyte counts are caused by a number of factors, including nutrient deficiencies, fasting, and other factors. Doctors may also check for an underlying illness to determine the exact cause. A healthy diet and treating any underlying medical condition will help keep your lymphocytes within a normal range.
Types
Lymphocytes are white blood cells that help the body’s immune system fight off infections. They mature in the bone marrow of humans and the bursa of birds and have a protein called the B-cell receptor, which allows them to recognize specific antigens. There are two main types of lymphocytes, T cells and B cells, and each plays a vital role in the body’s defense against disease. The average human body contains about 1012 lymphocytes. They make up about 2% of the total weight of the body.
T cells develop from stem cells in the liver and bone marrow and mature in the thymus. T cells play a key role in cell mediated immunity, and they are responsible for destroying cancer cells and virus-infected cells. T cells contain a T-cell receptor on their cell membrane that recognize specific antigens. Cytotoxic T cells attack and destroy cells containing antigens, while helper T cells are essential in precipitating the production of antibodies in B cells. Regulatory T cells help activate and direct the activity of other T cells.
After an antigen is exposed to the body, T cells migrate into the bloodstream. This results in activation and the production of effector and memory T cells. These cells then migrate to peripheral lymphoid organs, where they survey the blood for pathogens and tumor cells. They do this by releasing antibodies and cytotoxic granules.
There are many different types of lymphocytes in the body, including B cells and natural killer cells. B cells are similar in appearance to T cells, but have different roles in the body. They are made from stem cells in the bone marrow and are essential for immune response.
Functions
Lymphocytes are specialized cells that carry out a variety of functions in the body. They can function as part of the immune system to fight infections and autoimmune diseases or in tissue-resident organs to support and repair damage. These cells are also important in the restoration of the integrity of barrier tissues.
There are two types of lymphocytes, B and T cells. Both are similar to one another in appearance, but they have distinct functions. In the body, B lymphocytes produce antibodies and migrate to the bone marrow. T lymphocytes migrate to the thymus to work as mediators of cellular immunity.
Most leukocytes release toxins when infected and in some cases, they move towards a source of a chemical signal. This process is known as “positive chemotaxis,” and it attracts leukocytes to infected or injured cells. The resulting chemical signal is the equivalent of a “911” call for nearby leukocytes. Differentiation between different leukocytes helps doctors make a correct diagnosis and select a proper course of treatment.
The immune system relies on lymphocytes for many important functions. It works to fight infection by producing antibodies against foreign invaders. It also fights tumor cells. It also helps in remembering infections by recognizing antigens. The immune system can remember these antigens and fight off future infections.
Lymphocytes are important in mediating immune responses and antigen-antibody reactions. Plasma cells secrete antibodies, and B cells can act as antigen-presenting cells. T cells can also attack invading viruses and transplanted tissue cells. Natural killer cells are also present in the body, and attack certain types of infectious microbes and tumor cells.
Causes
High lymphocyte levels are common with infection and mononucleosis, and they can also be a sign of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Lymphocytosis is caused by an autoimmune disorder that affects the immune system. Some cancers of the blood and lymphatic system also cause lymphocytosis.
People with an increased number of lymphocytes can fight off infections more effectively. These cells produce antibodies to fight germs and cancer. While lymphocyte levels are normal following a viral infection, they can also rise during rheumatoid arthritis, severe illness, trauma, or spleen removal.
If you have a higher-than-normal lymphocyte count, you should consult your doctor immediately. It could be an indication of an infection or inflammatory condition, and your doctor will want to treat this condition. Besides infections, other causes include excessive physical activity, stress, or malnutrition. Your doctor can order blood tests to check lymphocyte levels. During treatment, your doctor may reduce or discontinue any drugs that cause low lymphocyte levels.
Some people with high lymphocyte levels may have no symptoms. But they may feel fatigued or breathless, and they may have night sweats or a low appetite. High lymphocyte counts are often a sign of a blood disorder, including cancer. But other conditions, such as a blood infection, can lead to a more serious illness.
As with any medical condition, proper consultation with a hematologist is essential. Some cases of lymphocytosis will resolve on their own with observation and supportive treatment, but others require a physician’s intervention. If your counts increase rapidly, it is important to consult with a hematologist as soon as possible. In addition, your doctor may order a bone marrow biopsy or perform additional blood tests to determine the exact cause.
Treatment
Lymphocytes are immune cells that can fight cancer. Recent studies have shown that the body’s immune system can delay the growth of tumors and sometimes eliminate them. To combat cancer, immunologic therapies are used to stimulate the patient’s own immune system. These treatments are known as adoptive immunotherapy. In this method, cells are harvested from a patient, processed for a period of time, and then reinfused into the patient.
Treatment for lymphocytosis focuses on the underlying cause of the elevated lymphocyte count. Certain types of blood cancer, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, can cause increased lymphocyte levels. Further tests are usually necessary to rule out other causes and make a diagnosis. In the meantime, you should avoid contact with sick people and disinfect frequently used objects.
Lymphocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low percentage of CD4+ T cells in the blood. Lymphocytopenia is caused by a number of factors, including an underlying autoimmune disorder or cancer. The condition often leads to recurrent infections, particularly pneumonias. It is a risk factor for developing cancer, so treatment is directed at addressing the underlying disorder.
Lymphocytes are an integral part of the cellular immune system and are made up of T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. Lymphocytes make up around twenty percent of your entire blood cell count. This means that if you have a low lymphocyte count, it could mean that your immune system is not functioning properly. Moreover, some forms of lymphocytopenia can go unnoticed, which is why it’s important to get a proper diagnosis.
