Antibodies are proteins that can attach to the surfaces of bacteria and viruses. This attachment sends signals to many other cell types to come and destroy the antibody-coated organism. The T cell protects the body against viruses. When a virus enters a cell, it produces certain proteins that are projected onto the surface of the infected cell. In addition, the T cells can destroy some types of cancer cells.
Chronic leukemias develop very gradually.
The abnormal lymphocytes multiply slowly, but in a poorly regulated manner. They live much longer and thus their numbers build up in the body. The two types of chronic leukemias can be easily distinguished under the microscope. B cell abnormalities are more common than T cell abnormalities. The T and B lymphocytes can be differentiated from the other types of white blood cells based on their size and by the absence of granules inside them.