B Cell | Community Health

B cells, or B lymphocytes, are a type of lymphocyte that plays a vital role in the humoral immunity component of the adaptive immune system. They produce antibody molecules, present antigens, and secrete cytokines. B cells mature in the bone marrow in mammals and in the bursa of Fabricius in birds. When activated by an antigen, B cells proliferate and differentiate into antibody-secreting effector cells, known as plasmablasts or plasma cells. The discovery of B cells is attributed to [[timothy-chang|Timothy Chang]] and [[bruce-glick|Bruce Glick]], who first identified them in the bursa of Fabricius. B cells are classified as professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and are essential for the development of immune responses. According to the [[national-institutes-of-health|National Institutes of Health]] (NIH), B cells are a crucial component of the immune system, and their dysfunction can lead to various immune-related disorders. The [[world-health-organization|World Health Organization]] (WHO) also recognizes the importance of B cells in immune responses, particularly in the context of [[vaccine-development|vaccine development]].