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[[Image:Lymphoblast.png|thumb|Lymphoblast]]
{{Short description|Immature white blood cell precursor}}
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A '''lymphoblast''' is a modified naive [[lymphocyte]] with altered cell morphology. It occurs when the lymphocyte is activated by an antigen (from antigen-presenting cells) and increased in volume by nucleus and cytoplasm growth as well as new mRNA and protein synthesis. The lymphoblast then starts dividing two to four times every 24-hours for 3-5 days, with a single lymphoblast making approximately 1000 clones of its original naive lymphocyte, with each sharing the originally unique antigen specificity. Finally the dividing cells differentiate into effector cells, known as Plasma Cells (for B cells), Cytotoxic T cells, and Helper T cells.<ref>Janeway's Immunobiology, 9th edition, Chapter 1, page 23</ref>


Lymphoblasts can also refer to immature cells which typically [[cellular differentiation|differentiate]] to form mature [[lymphocyte]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Lymphoblasts - National Library of Medicine|url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0022047/|website = PubMed Health|accessdate = 2015-11-17|first = National Center for Biotechnology|last = Information|first2 = U. S. National Library of Medicine 8600 Rockville|last2 = Pike|first3 = Bethesda|last3 = MD|first4 = 20894|last4 = Usa}}</ref> Normally lymphoblasts are found in the bone marrow, but in [[acute lymphoblastic leukemia]] (ALL), lymphoblasts proliferate uncontrollably and are found in large numbers in the peripheral blood.
==Lymphoblast==
A '''lymphoblast''' is an immature cell that is a precursor to a [[lymphocyte]], a type of [[white blood cell]] that plays a crucial role in the [[immune system]]. Lymphoblasts are typically found in the [[bone marrow]] and are an essential part of the process of [[hematopoiesis]], the formation of blood cellular components.


The size is between 10 and 20 μm.<ref name="Rozenberg2011">{{cite book|author=Gillian Rozenberg|title=Microscopic Haematology: A Practical Guide for the Laboratory|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a2fWUutmB64C&pg=PA106|accessdate=29 May 2011|date=23 March 2011|publisher=Elsevier Australia|isbn=978-0-7295-4072-8|pages=106–}}</ref>
==Development==
Lymphoblasts arise from [[hematopoietic stem cells]] in the bone marrow. These stem cells differentiate into [[common lymphoid progenitor]] cells, which then further differentiate into lymphoblasts. Lymphoblasts eventually mature into either [[B cells]], [[T cells]], or [[natural killer cells]], each of which has distinct functions in the immune response.


Although commonly lymphoblast refers to a precursor cell in the maturation of [[leukocyte]]s, the usage of this term is sometimes inconsistent. The Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Research Consortium defines a lymphoblast as "A lymphocyte that has become larger after being stimulated by an antigen. Lymphoblasts look like immature lymphocytes, and were once thought to be precursor cells.".<ref>[http://cll.ucsd.edu/glossaryl.htm CRC - Glossary L<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060211221228/http://cll.ucsd.edu/glossaryl.htm |date=2006-02-11 }}</ref> Commonly, when speaking about leukemia, "blast" is used as an abbreviation for lymphoblasts.
===B Cell Development===
In the development of B cells, lymphoblasts undergo a series of maturation stages within the bone marrow. They express specific markers and undergo [[immunoglobulin gene rearrangement]] to produce a unique [[B cell receptor]]. Once mature, B cells migrate to the [[lymphoid tissues]] where they can encounter antigens.


Lymphoblasts can be distinguished microscopically from [[myeloblast]]s by having less distinct nucleoli, more condensed chromatin, and an absence of cytoplasmic granules. However these morphologic distinctions are not absolute and a definitive diagnoses relies on antibody [[immunostaining]] for the presence of unique [[cluster of differentiation]] receptors.<ref name=Robbins>{{cite book |author1=Kumar, Vinay |author2=Abbas, Abul K. |author3=Fausto, Nelson |author4=Aster, Jon C. |title=Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease |publisher=Saunders |location=Philadelphia |year=2010 |pages=602 |isbn=978-1-4160-3121-5 |oclc= |doi=}} 8th edition.</ref>
===T Cell Development===
T cell development involves the migration of lymphoblasts from the bone marrow to the [[thymus]], where they undergo selection processes to ensure self-tolerance and the ability to recognize foreign antigens. Mature T cells express either [[CD4]] or [[CD8]] markers and play roles in [[cell-mediated immunity]].


==Additional images==
==Role in Disease==
<gallery>
Lymphoblasts are significant in the context of certain diseases, particularly [[acute lymphoblastic leukemia]] (ALL). In ALL, there is an overproduction of lymphoblasts, which fail to mature properly and accumulate in the bone marrow and blood, disrupting normal hematopoiesis and leading to symptoms such as [[anemia]], [[infection]], and [[bleeding]].
Image:Illu blood cell lineage.jpg|Blood cell lineage
</gallery>


== See also ==
==Diagnosis==
The presence of lymphoblasts in the blood or bone marrow is a key diagnostic feature of ALL. Diagnostic techniques include [[flow cytometry]] to identify cell surface markers, [[cytogenetic analysis]] to detect chromosomal abnormalities, and [[molecular testing]] for specific genetic mutations.


==Treatment==
Treatment of conditions involving lymphoblasts, such as ALL, typically involves [[chemotherapy]], which targets rapidly dividing cells. Additional treatments may include [[radiation therapy]], [[stem cell transplantation]], and targeted therapies that focus on specific genetic abnormalities in the cancer cells.
==Related pages==
* [[Lymphocyte]]
* [[Hematopoiesis]]
* [[Acute lymphoblastic leukemia]]
* [[Acute lymphoblastic leukemia]]
* [[Bone marrow]]
* [[Immune system]]


*[[List of human cell types derived from the germ layers]]
[[Category:Hematology]]
 
[[Category:Immune system]]
== References ==
{{reflist}}
 
{{Lymphocytes}}
 
[[Category:Blood cells]]
[[Category:Colony forming units]]
 
 
{{oncology-stub}}
<gallery>
File:Lymphoblast.png|Lymphoblast
File:Illu_blood_cell_lineage.jpg|Illustration of blood cell lineage
</gallery>

Revision as of 19:26, 22 March 2025

Immature white blood cell precursor


Lymphoblast

A lymphoblast is an immature cell that is a precursor to a lymphocyte, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system. Lymphoblasts are typically found in the bone marrow and are an essential part of the process of hematopoiesis, the formation of blood cellular components.

Development

Lymphoblasts arise from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. These stem cells differentiate into common lymphoid progenitor cells, which then further differentiate into lymphoblasts. Lymphoblasts eventually mature into either B cells, T cells, or natural killer cells, each of which has distinct functions in the immune response.

B Cell Development

In the development of B cells, lymphoblasts undergo a series of maturation stages within the bone marrow. They express specific markers and undergo immunoglobulin gene rearrangement to produce a unique B cell receptor. Once mature, B cells migrate to the lymphoid tissues where they can encounter antigens.

T Cell Development

T cell development involves the migration of lymphoblasts from the bone marrow to the thymus, where they undergo selection processes to ensure self-tolerance and the ability to recognize foreign antigens. Mature T cells express either CD4 or CD8 markers and play roles in cell-mediated immunity.

Role in Disease

Lymphoblasts are significant in the context of certain diseases, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In ALL, there is an overproduction of lymphoblasts, which fail to mature properly and accumulate in the bone marrow and blood, disrupting normal hematopoiesis and leading to symptoms such as anemia, infection, and bleeding.

Diagnosis

The presence of lymphoblasts in the blood or bone marrow is a key diagnostic feature of ALL. Diagnostic techniques include flow cytometry to identify cell surface markers, cytogenetic analysis to detect chromosomal abnormalities, and molecular testing for specific genetic mutations.

Treatment

Treatment of conditions involving lymphoblasts, such as ALL, typically involves chemotherapy, which targets rapidly dividing cells. Additional treatments may include radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, and targeted therapies that focus on specific genetic abnormalities in the cancer cells.

Related pages

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