A cell that contributes to the body’s immune defense by recognizing, responding to, or helping control infectious agents, abnormal cells, or other potential threats.
Immune cells are found throughout the blood, lymphatic system, tissues, and organs. They include lymphocytes such as B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, as well as other cells such as neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, eosinophils, and basophils.
Different immune cells perform different roles. Some recognize specific targets, some engulf and destroy infectious agents or damaged material, some produce antibodies, and others coordinate or regulate immune responses.
QUICK FACT
“Immune cell” is a broad term, not the name of one particular cell. T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and neutrophils are all examples of immune cells.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
White blood cell: Most immune cells are white blood cells, but the terms are not completely interchangeable. “White blood cell” refers to blood-cell classification, while “immune cell” refers to a cell’s role in immune defense.
SEE ALSO
- Lymphocyte
- T lymphocyte
- CD4 T Lymphocyte
- B lymphocyte
- Antibody
- Immunity
- Immune System