B cells and T cells are the white blood cells of the immune system that are responsible for adaptive immune response in an organism. Both the cells are made in the bone marrow. B cells mature in the bone marrow while the T cells travel to the thymus and mature there. These cells are structurally similar and are involved in adaptive immune response in an organism.
Also Read: Antigens and Immunology
Let us know the difference between B cells and T cells in detail.
T Cells vs B Cells
| B Cells | T Cells |
| Origin | |
| Bone marrow | Thymus |
| Often called | |
| B lymphocytes | T lymphocytes |
| Position | |
| Outside lymph node | Inside lymph node |
| Surface antibodies | |
| Present | Absent |
| Connect | |
| They connect to the surface of invading bacteria and virus |
They connect only to the virus antigen on the outside
|
| Membrane receptor for antigen | |
| BCR | TCR |
| Life Span | |
| Short | Long |
| Secrete | |
| Antibodies | Lymphokines |
| Types | |
| Only one active type |
Two types: Helper and Killer
|
What are B cells?
These cells mature in the bone marrow and produce antibodies in response to the antigens. B cells are involved in humoral response. As soon as B cells come across the antigens, they produce plasma cells and memory B cells.
What are T cells?
T cells originate in the bone marow and mature in the thymus. These can be further divided into T helper cells and T cytotoxic cells. They are responsible for removing the pathogens from the body. As soon as the foreign antigen enters the cells, T cells trigger the B cells to develop plasma cells and activates T killer cells that kill the cells affected by the invaders.
Similarities between B cells and T cells
- Both B and T cells originate in the bone marrow.
- These cells are involved in adaptive immunity.
- They are a type of lymphocytes.
- The cells are nucleated and motile.
- Both protect the body’s immune system and help fighting infections.
- Both the cells are non-phagocytic and are a part of lymphatic system.
Also Read: Immunity
These were some of the major difference between B cells and T cells. To know more about the origin and functions of B cells and T cells, register to BYJU’S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are B and T cells located?
The B and T cells originate in the bone marrow and mature in the bone marrow and thymus respectively.
How do the T cells activate?
The T helper cells are activated when they are presented with the antigens by the MHC Class II molecules that are expressed on the surface of antigen presenting cells.