- production of antibodies (=plasma B cells)
- memory of antigen (=memory cells, live for a long time and able to respond rapidly if body encounters same antigen again)
- antigen presenting cells
B cell disorders result in a failure of antibody synthesis, resulting in either hypogammaglobulinaemia or agammaglobulinaemia. This causes recurrent infections with pyogenic bacteria and fungi.
Examples of B cell disorders include:
1. Common variable immunodeficiency
- commonest cause of hypogammaglobulinaemia
- not familial
- bone marrow shows a normal number of B cells but they fail to mature
2. IgA deficiency
- commonest isolated Ig in UK
- increased risk of giardiasis
3. Bruton's agammaglobulinaemia
- x-linked recessive
- no circulating B cells
- usually presents between 3 months and 2 yrs of age
Now on to the T cell disorders......
