Pluripotent stem cells produce myeloid stem cells and Iymphoid stem cells that, in turn. produce cells that mature into red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. Millions of new blood cells are produced hourly. The T-lymphocytes are the body's main defense against infections caused by viruses and protozoa. The B-lymphocytes produce proteins called antibodies which help destroy harmful foreign organisms in the body. Natural killer cells play a role in the destruction of tumor cells.
Monocytes are large cells that engulf and destroy invading bacteria and fungi.
Eosinophils and basophils play a role in regulating allergic reactions such as asthma, hives, hay fever and drug reactions. Acute Leukemia Blood cells that have not yet matured are called blast cells. Acute leukemia occurs when blast cells replicate themselves uncontrollably rather than evolve into normal, mature blood cells. The leukemic blast cells crowd out and interfere with the production and activity of normal blood cells. If undetected or left untreated.