Cells of the Immune System

Plasma B Cell

Function: Produce antibodies and neutralize pathogens

Lineage: Lymphoid

Helper T cell

Function: Coordinate the immune response and activate B cells to produce antibodies

Lineage: Lymphoid

Cytotoxic T cell

Function: Directly kill cells that are damaged or infected

Lineage: Lymphoid

NK Cell

Function: Destroy harmful cells in the early stages, preventing infection from spreading

Lineage: Lymphoid

Neutrophil

Function: The first responders to infection; engulf harmful pathogens through phagocytosis to destroy them

Lineage: Myeloid

Basophil

Function: A type of white blood cells that defend against allergens and pathogens by releasing histamines

Lineage: Myeloid

Eosinophil

Function: A type of white blood cell that that prevents pathogens from growing inside of host cells

Lineage: Myeloid

Monocyte

Function: Turn into macrophage or dendritic cells in response to bacteria; kill the bacteria themselves or alert other blood cells to help destroy it and prevent infection

Lineage: Myeloid

Dendritic Cell

Function: Initiate antigen-specific responses of the immune system; ingest and degrade pathogens

Lineage: Myeloid

Macrophage

Function: Engulf and destroy pathogens through phagocytosis; clean and remove cellular debris; maintain tissue health

Lineage: Myeloid

Mast Cell

Function: Detect pathogens and releasing chemicals to destroy them; active in allergic reactions

Lineage: Myeloid

Megakaryocyte

Function: Produce and release blood platelets

Lineage: Erythroid

Platelet

Function: Stop bleeding by forming blood clots at the site of an injury

Lineage: Erythroid

Erythrocyte

Function: Red blood cells; transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body; remove carbon dioxide

Lineage: Erythroid

Erythroblast

Function: Mature into red blood cells; create hemoglobin, which delivers oxygen throughout the body

Lineage: Erythroid