B cell | |
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![]() The cells of the immune system form cells that remember the pathogen for future infections. | |
Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | lymphocytus B |
MeSH | D001402 |
FMA | 62869 |
Anatomical terminology |
B cells are lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Once the B cell is activated, it turns into a plasma cell,[a] 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:
Recently, a new, suppressive function of B cells has been discovered.[1]
In mammals, immature B cells are formed in the bone marrow, hence their name.[2]