Understand Their Significance
Certainwhite blood cellsare classified aslymphocytes.
Types of lymphocytes includeB cells, T cells, and NK cells.
Your approximate number of lymphocytes can be measured with a blood test.
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Lymphocytes are involved in ongoing immunity.
This memory immunity is activated by infections and by vaccination.
Lymphocyte Production and Maturation
Blood cells, including lymphocytes, are produced in the bone marrow.
Immature B cells mature in the bone marrow.
Immature T cells mature in thethymus, an organ in the neck.
For certain conditions, specialized lymphocyte testing can be done.
To monitor human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment response,CD4 blood countsare measured.
A decrease in lymphocyte number and function can also be secondary to the use of cancer treatments like chemotherapy.
There’s not a specific level of lymphocytes that always indicates cancer.
Autoimmune diseasesand allergic reactions may cause lymphocytes to increase occasionally.
Causes of Low Lymphocytes
Low lymphocytes (lymphopenia) can be a sign of immune deficiency.
Immune deficiency can be because of medications or illnesses.
Conditions commonly associated with low lymphocytes include:
Additionally, autoimmune diseases can cause high or low lymphocytes.
The treatment of many autoimmune conditions can cause low lymphocytes as well.
Summary
Lymphocytes are a class of white blood cell.
They include several types of T cells and B cells that make different kinds of antibodies.
There are many different causes of high or low lymphocytes.
Temporarily elevated lymphocytes can occur due to an infection or medication side effect.
In general, temporary variation in lymphocytes is not usually a cause for alarm.
Usually, blood cell cancer involves abnormal appearance of the lymphocytes rather than just a high number.
The lymphocyte numbers can fluctuate with chronic conditions like recurrent allergies and autoimmune diseases.
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