B Cell Development and Functions

B cells or B lymphocytes (bursa-derived cells) are essential components of adaptive immune response, primarily responsible for humoral immunity in mammals. B-cell production in humans is a lifelong process that starts in the foetal liver, intrauterine, and bone marrow after birth.

B cells arise from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and go through several stages of early differentiation, through maturation, antigen interaction and antibody synthesis. Through their early differentiation they acquire two key features of adaptive immunity, firstly the ability to distinguish between self and non-self, and the ability to form memory of previous antigen encounters.

In Max Cooper's 1960s experiments on chickens, antibody production was found to be impaired upon the removal of an organ known as the bursa of Fabricius, hence the term bursa-derived cells. However, in humans B cell development occurs predominantly in the bone marrow.

Differentiation

B cell differentiation pathways demonstrate characteristically specific surface markers (CD markers), and immunoglobulin gene arrangements. In addition, developmental checkpoints exist along the pathways to determine whether a cell follows the normal or alternative pathways, resulting in cell death.

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Sources

*Althuwaiqeb, S. A., & Bordoni, B. (2020). Histology, B Cell Lymphocyte. Retrieved from PubMed website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560905/

*Decker, J. (n.d.). B Cell Development. Retrieved May 25, 2026, from www2.nau.edu website: https://www2.nau.edu/~fpm/immunology/Exams/Bcelldevelopment-401.html

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