Natural Killer Cells (Lymphocyte Subsets)

The percentage of white blood cells that are lymphocytes, key players in adaptive immunity including antibody production and cell-mediated immune responses.

B cells are responsible for producing antibodies. A decrease in B cell count may indicate immunodeficiency disorders or certain autoimmune diseases.

CD3 T cells are a key component of the immune system, and their activation and expansion can occur in response to an infectious agent or an immune-mediated condition.

CD4+ T cells, also known as helper T cells, are involved in coordinating immune responses. A decrease in CD4+ T cells may be seen in immunodeficiency disorders, or certain infections. An increase in CD4+ T cell count may be seen in some autoimmune diseases.

CD8+ T cells, also called cytotoxic T cells, are involved in directly killing infected or abnormal cells. Elevated CD8+ T cell count may indicate a viral infection, autoimmune diseases, or certain malignancies.

Natural Killer (NK) play a crucial role in the innate immune system. They are a part of the body's first line of defense against viruses, tumors, and other infected or abnormal cells.

CD56 is often used as a marker to identify and characterize NK cells. It helps distinguish NK cells from other lymphocytes, such as T cells and B cells, which may express different surface markers.

CD16 cells are involved in antibody-mediated immune responses and play essential roles in immune surveillance, defense against pathogens, and elimination of antibody-bound target cells.