Understanding B Cell Receptor Development: A Hematopoiesis Overview

Lymphocytes consist of two major types of cells: B-cells and T-cells. Both are needed to maintain a functioning immune system. B-cells are produced in bone marrow and have the ability to bind to a specific antigen through a B-cell receptor region. These regions are made through a process called hematopoiesis.

Hematopoiesis

• A balanced diet helps maintain a healthy immune system

  During the process of hematopoiesis, stem cells are made forming two specific types of cells: Mature immune cells or pre-cells that exit the bone marrow and mature elsewhere. B-cells are of the latter and mature in either the spleen or the lymph nodes.

Spleen Function

• B-cells and their receptors mature in the spleen after migrating there from the bone marrow. The B-cells then begin to produce antibodies. This process begins when a macrophage presents the antigen to the specific B-cell receptor.

Lymph Node Function

• B-cells and their receptors reach maturity in the lymph nodes after migrating from the bone marrow. They aid the lymph nodes in filtering the fluids from the organs in our body by producing antibodies. The production of antibodies begins when, like in the spleen, macrophages present the B-cell receptors with a specific antigen.