Lymphocyte Subsets (LSS)
Lymphocyte Subsets (LSS): Types, Markers, and Functions
Lymphocyte Subsets (LSS) are a key type of white blood cell involved in immune responses. They are broadly classified into three main subsets based on their surface markers and functions:
1. T Lymphocytes (T Cells)
- Markers: CD3 positive
- Functions: Mediate cell-mediated immunity by directly killing infected cells or helping other immune cells.
- Major Subsets:
- Helper T cells (CD4+): Assist other immune cells by producing cytokines. They further differentiate into subsets such as:
- Th1 (promote cellular immunity)
- Th2 (help B cells and antibody production)
- Th17 (involved in inflammation)
- T regulatory cells (Treg) (suppress immune responses to maintain tolerance)
- Follicular helper T cells (Tfh) (help B cells in germinal centers)
- Cytotoxic T cells (CD8+): Kill virus-infected cells and tumor cells.
- Helper T cells (CD4+): Assist other immune cells by producing cytokines. They further differentiate into subsets such as:
- Naïve vs Memory: CD4+ and CD8+ cells can be naïve (CD45RA+) or memory (CD45RO+) cells, indicating their activation and experience.
2. B Lymphocytes (B Cells)
- Markers: CD19 positive
- Functions: Responsible for humoral immunity by producing antibodies.
- Subsets:
- Transitional B cells (early developmental stages)
- Follicular B cells (naïve B cells in lymphoid follicles)
- Marginal zone B cells (respond rapidly to blood-borne pathogens)
- Plasma cells (antibody-secreting cells)
- Memory B cells (long-lived cells that respond to previously encountered antigens)
3. Natural Killer (NK) Cells
- Markers: CD3 negative, CD16 and CD56 positive
- Functions: Part of the innate immune system; kill virally infected cells and tumor cells without prior sensitization.
Clinical Significance
- The absolute counts and percentages of these lymphocyte subsets vary in diseases. For example:
- In HIV infection, CD4+ T cell counts and the CD4:CD8 ratio are key markers for disease progression and treatment monitoring.
- Certain primary immunodeficiency disorders have characteristic lymphocyte subset profiles.
- Lymphocyte subset analysis helps assess immune status and guide treatment in infections, immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and cancers.
Summary Table
| Lymphocyte Subset | Surface Markers | Main Function | Key Subtypes/Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| T cells | CD3+ | Cell-mediated immunity | CD4+ helper (Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, Tfh), CD8+ cytotoxic, naïve/memory |
| B cells | CD19+ | Antibody production (humoral immunity) | Transitional, follicular, marginal zone, plasma, memory B cells |
| NK cells | CD3-, CD16+, CD56+ | Innate immunity, kill infected/tumor cells | No antigen-specific receptors |
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References
- Synnovis: Lymphocyte Subsets 1
- Microbe Notes: Lymphocytes Types and Functions 3
- Immunopaedia: Overview of T Cell Subsets 4
- NCBI Bookshelf: Introduction to T and B lymphocytes 5
- Wikipedia: Lymphocyte 6
- Cleveland Clinic: T Cells 8
Lymphocyte subset analysis is a vital tool in immunology, providing insights into immune function, disease diagnosis, and treatment monitoring.
