B cell

B cell

n. Any of a class of lymphocytes that, when activated by a specific antigen and usually also by helper T cells, proliferate and differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells or memory cells. In mammals, B cells mature in the bone marrow. Also called B lymphocyte.

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[b(ursa-dependent) cell, after the bursa of Fabricius, a gland in birds where the cells mature and the first such tissue found in vertebrates.]

B cell

n. 1. Also called B lymphocyte. a type of white blood cell that circulates in the blood and lymph and produces antibody upon encountering any antigen that has a molecular arrangement complementary to the antibody. 2. beta cell. [1970–75]

B cell

Any of the lymphocytes that develop into plasma cells in the presence of a specific antigen, such as a bacterium or virus. The plasma cells then produce antibodies that attack or neutralize the antigen. B cells mature in the bone marrow before being released into the blood. See Note at antibody.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.B cell - a lymphocyte derived from bone marrow that provides humoral immunity; it recognizes free antigen molecules in solution and matures into plasma cells that secrete immunoglobulin (antibodies) that inactivate the antigensB lymphocytelymph cell, lymphocyte - an agranulocytic leukocyte that normally makes up a quarter of the white blood cell count but increases in the presence of infection