B Lymphocyte (B cell)

B lymphocytes, or B cells, are a type of white blood cell that play a central role in the adaptive immune system by mediating humoral immunity. They are responsible for producing antibodies that bind to specific antigens on pathogens, marking them for destruction or neutralization. Upon activation, B cells differentiate into plasma cells (antibody secreting) and memory B cells (for long-term immunity). B cells also function as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and secrete cytokines to modulate other immune cell activities. The B cell receptor (BCR), composed of a membrane-bound immunoglobulin molecule (IgM or IgD) and associated proteins, is crucial for antigen recognition and B cell activation.

Other names

B lymphocyteB cellsB-cell

Varies depending on the drug; examples include: Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), B-cell depletion, inhibition of B-cell activating factor (BAFF), inhibition of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK).