Lymphocyte Function
Lymphocyte Function - Related Videos
10:01
Radial Mobility and Cytotoxic Function of Retroviral Replicating Vector Transduced, Non-adherent Alloresponsive T Lymphocytes
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2015
We describe a protocol to monitor radial mobility of non-adherent immune cells in vitro using a cell sedimentation manifold/slide apparatus. Cell migration is tracked on monolayers of tumor cells or on extracellular matrix proteins. Examination by light and fluorescence microscopy allows for observation of cell mobility and cytotoxic functionality.
08:08
Isolation and Activation of Murine Lymphocytes
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Cited by 56 •
2016
Lymphocytes are the major players in adaptive immune responses. Here, we present a lymphocyte purification protocol to determine the physiological functions of the desired molecules in lymphocyte activation in vitro and in vivo. The described experimental procedures are suitable for comparing functional capacities between control and genetically modified lymphocytes.
07:17
Phenotypic and Functional Analysis of Activated Regulatory T Cells Isolated from Chronic Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus-infected Mice
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Cited by 1 •
2016
Here, we describe a protocol to analyze the phenotype of regulatory T (Treg) cells isolated from naïve and chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-infected mice. In addition, we provide a process to evaluate the suppressive activity of the Treg cells.
04:46
Isolation of Lymphocytes from Mouse Genital Tract Mucosa
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Cited by 10 •
2012
An efficient way to isolate lymphocytes from mouse genital tract is described. This method takes advantage of enzyme digestion and Percoll gradient separation to allow efficient isolation. This technique is also adaptable to for use in other...
06:02
Isolation of Lymphocytes from a Mouse Peyer's Patch
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2025
In this video, we demonstrate the isolation of lymphocytes from a harvested mouse Peyer's patch. The isolated lymphocytes can be used for further analysis.
FAQs
B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes contribute different but coordinated functions. Activated B lymphocytes produce antibodies, whereas T lymphocytes recognize infected or abnormal cells through antigen receptors, regulate immune activity, or destroy cellular targets. This division of labor allows immune responses to address threats through both antibody-mediated and cell-directed mechanisms.
These processes determine whether lymphocytes respond effectively after recognizing an immune target. Activation initiates the response, signaling coordinates information inside and between cells, and proliferation expands responsive lymphocyte populations. Studying each component separately helps investigators identify where immune responses are functioning normally or where altered activity may contribute to disease.
Memory lymphocytes preserve information from an earlier immune response and support a faster response when the same threat is encountered again. This property helps explain how protection can improve after prior exposure and why memory formation is an important consideration in vaccine research. It also provides a measurable outcome when studying long-term immune responses.
Laboratory investigations can examine lymphocyte activation, intracellular signaling, proliferation, and cytotoxicity, meaning the ability to destroy target cells. Together, these measurements provide complementary information about how lymphocytes respond and perform their specialized roles. The resulting functional profile can help evaluate immune status rather than relying on a single cellular characteristic.
The clinical effect depends on whether lymphocyte activity is insufficient, misdirected, or excessively involved in tissue damage. Altered function is associated with immunodeficiency, autoimmune disease, infection, cancer, and transplant rejection. Consequently, assessing lymphocyte behavior can help connect cellular immune abnormalities with disease mechanisms and support interpretation of a patient's immune status.
Functional testing can help evaluate immune status and inform medical decisions in settings where lymphocyte activity matters. Measurements of activation, signaling, proliferation, or cytotoxicity may contribute to diagnostic assessment, while knowledge of memory responses supports vaccine development. The same biological principles also guide immunotherapies and other treatments intended to modify immune activity.