T Cell vs. B Cell Receptors: Key Differences Explained

Human blood contains five types of white blood cells (leukocytes). The types with the largest populations are T cells and B cells. T cells are receptors for one type of molecular structure and B cells are receptors for another type.

Differences

• T cell receptors (TCRs) and B cell receptors (BCRs) have different structures. They bind to different molecular structures and have different genetic codes.

TCRs

• There are two types of T cells and thus two types of TCRs: CD8 and CD4. CD8 T cells destroy the cells they bind to, such as virus cells. CD4 T cells group together to cause inflammation, which isolates an infected area so it can heal. This process helps build immunities.

BCRs

• Certain toxins in the body are soluble. B cells bind to these toxins and digest them into smaller pieces. After mitosis (nuclear division) and regeneration, B cells create plasma cells, which make antibodies. "Helper" T cells aid in this process.

Origin of Blood Cells

• Blood cells are formed in bone marrow. When a leukemia patient's blood disease has destroyed the bone marrow, transplants are performed so healthy bone marrow can create more B cells and T cells.

CD4 Cells in AIDS

• In AIDS patients, the human immunodeficiency virus destroys CD4 cells, which weakens and eventually destroys the patient's immune system. The body cannot fight infections without CD4 cells.