Abstract
The function of the lymphoid system is to defend the individual against otherwise lethal microbial infections. Although the important cells in the system — the small lymphocytes — are all morphologically similar, the immune system consists of two main cell types, which share few, if any, characteristics. One cell type — the thymus-derived (T) lymphocyte — is responsible for the defence against viral, parasitic and other nonbacterial infections. The properties of this cell are not the topic of this paper. The other cell is generally referred to as the B (bone marrow derived) lymphocyte and is responsible for the defence against bacterial infections and is the only cell which can synthesize immunoglobulins. The B lymphocytes develop from stem cells in the bone marrow and — at least in birds — they have to pass the Bursa of Fabricius in oder to differentiate into immunocompetent cells. Presumably there is an analogous organ in mammals, although it is not morphologically defined, but it is not unlikely that the entire gastrointestinal tract fulfils this function.
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References
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Möller, G. (1976). Characteristics of B Lymphocytes and Their Mechanism of Activation. In: Melchers, F., Rajewsky, K. (eds) The Immune System. Colloquium der Gesellschaft für Biologische Chemie, vol 27. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-81083-1_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-81083-1_10
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