Immune Cells
Platelet/ Thrombocyte: Fragments of an immune cell called a megakaryocyte. It is the smallest immune cell. It is important in blood clotting (stopping bleeding), wound healing, and inflammation. Platelets have gained recent interest as they are being used in the treatment of hair loss (platelet rich plasma) due to its secretion of powerful anti-inflammatory and pro-stimulatory factors.
Erythrocyte/ Red blood cell: A blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Basophil: A particle containing immune cell (largest and least common type) important in allergic diseases (asthma, hay fever, eczema).
Eosinophil: A particle containing immune cell important in allergic reactions and asthma. They also help to fight against parasites and worms.
Neutrophils: A particle containing immune cell (most common type) that is important in fighting against various bacteria.
Monocyte: A type of immune cell that "eats up" dead cells and foreign material. They also serve to boost immune responses.
Dendritic cell: A type of immune cell that acts very early against foreign organisms. They are located in areas of the body in close contact with the outside environment (skin, nose, intestines). They are important for directing more specific immune responses for various organisms
Lymphocyte:
- T-cell: A type of immune cell that kills and destroys body cells that have been infected by cancer and viruses. They are also important in autoimmune conditions (alopecia areata, lupus, vitiligo, etc.) by attacking body cells typically seen as normal.
- B-cell: A type of immune cell that produces a protein that destroys any foreign material/ invaders (bacteria, fungus, virus)
(References: PubMed Health, Male, D. et al (2013) Immunology. New York, NY Elsevier LTd.)