Thymus-Derived Rosette-Forming Cells

Abstract

Modern immunology has defined the heterogeneity of the lymphocyte response triggered by antigen. Antigen can stimulate both humoral immunity and cellular immunity, and both B and T cells can co-operate in the immune response. Antibodies, effectors of the humoral response, are synthesized by B lymphocytes and plasma cells. The bursa of Fabricius is responsible for the competence of B lymphocytes in birds; the bursa equivalent remains ill defined in mammals. Cellular immunity is the responsibility of T lymphocytes. These T cells are derived, processed or influenced in some way by the thymus in animals and human beings.B and T . . .