Immunocompetent cells are cells of the immune system that carry receptors on their surface that can recognize foreign antigens. They play a key role in the body's immune response.
Immunocompetent cells include:
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B and T lymphocytes, which carry antibody-like receptors on their surface that are specific for certain antigens. These receptors are located on the cytoplasmic membrane of lymphocytes and allow them to recognize the corresponding antigens. When antigen binds, a cascade of reactions is triggered, leading to an immune response.
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Macrophages and dendritic cells, which also express receptors on their surface to recognize antigens. They play an important role in presenting antigen to lymphocytes.
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Natural killer cells are lymphoid cells capable of recognizing and destroying virus-infected and tumor cells.
Thus, immunocompetent cells provide specific recognition of foreign antigens and trigger an immune response through receptors on their cytoplasmic membrane. They play a key role in the functioning of the immune system.
Immunologically committed cells are immunocompetent cells that recognize antigens through antibodies located on their cell membrane. They actively react to antigens coming to them, thereby participating in the formation of immunity.
There are three main groups or classes of immunologically competent cells: - Helper cells (or effectors) They are the main component of a functioning immune system and have a great effect in the fight against external infections. Examples of these are white blood cells such as eosinophils, neutrophils and macrophages, as well as lymphocytes. They produce antibodies against their antigens and, therefore, are able to become neutralizers of viruses and microbes that the body encounters for the first time. - For a long time, the immune system prepares cells (T cells and B cells