The total number of B-lymphocytes (CD20) in the blood
Last reviewed: 18.10.2021
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The total number of CD20-lymphocytes in the blood for adults is normally 8-19%, absolute values are 0.19-0.38x10 9 / l.
CD20-lymphocytes are cells of humoral immunity, responsible for the synthesis of antibodies. They are formed in the bone marrow from the stem cells, where the first stages of differentiation take place. According to modern ideas, the development of B-lymphocytes passes from the stem cell stage to the early and late predecessors and, finally, to the mature cell. B-lymphocytes are mainly concentrated in the peripheral lymphoid organs. Peripheral blood contains only 15-20% of their total number. The ratio of populations in the total B-lymphocyte pool is important in assessing humoral immunity: B-lymphocytes with IgM-receptors are 3-10%; with IgG-receptors - 2-6%, with IgA-receptors - 1-3%. With the violation of the ratio of B-lymphocytes, many diseases are associated. Insufficiency of B-cells leads to severe immunodeficiency, and their excessive activity - to the development of autoimmune pathology.
It should be noted that the number of B-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood, a fairly stable indicator of homeostasis, varies little with different effects, so deviating its value from normal can serve as one of the important criteria for immunopathology.