B cell

B cells are lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Once the B cell is activated, it turns into a plasma cell, and starts producing antibodies. They are a vital part of the adaptive immune system. They have a protein on the B cell's outer surface known as a 'B cell receptor'. This allows a B cell to bind to a specific antigen.

The main functions of B cells are:
to make antibodies against antigens, 
to perform the role of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), 
to develop into memory B cells after activation by antigen interaction.

Recently, a new, suppressive function of B cells has been discovered.

In mammals, immature B cells are formed in the bone marrow, hence their name.Alberts B. et al 2002. Molecular biology of the cell. Garland Science: New York, pg 1367.

Note

 References 

 Other websites 
 B Cells and T Cells 
 B Cell Development and Generation of Lymphocyte Diversity 
 Interactive Animation of B Cell Maturation (requires Flash video software)

Category:Immunology
Category:Blood cells