Lymphoblasts

Definition

Lymphoblasts are immature cells that develop from lymphocytes and are precursors to T cells or B cells. They play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response by proliferating and differentiating into functional immune cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lymphoblasts undergo clonal expansion in response to antigen stimulation.
2. They differentiate into either T lymphocytes or B lymphocytes.
3. Lymphoblasts are larger than mature lymphocytes due to increased cytoplasmic volume and organelles.
4. They exhibit high mitotic activity during an immune response.
5. The presence of lymphoblasts can indicate an active immune response or certain leukemias.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of lymphoblasts?
• How do lymphoblasts differ from mature lymphocytes?
• What does the presence of a high number of lymphoblasts typically indicate?

Related terms

T Lymphocytes:

A type of white blood cell that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity.

B Lymphocytes:

A type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies.

Clonal Expansion: The process by which a single activated lymphocyte proliferates to produce many identical cells.