B Cells: Types and Function

What are the common conditions and disorders associated with B cells?

Abnormal B cells can cause autoimmune diseases and various types of cancers.

Autoimmune diseases

Sometimes, B cells make antibodies in response to antigens associated with your body’s healthy cells. When this happens, the antibodies attack your healthy cells like a dangerous pathogen. This is what happens with autoimmune diseases, including:

Cancers

Several cancers are associated with abnormal B cell development, including:

What is the normal range of B cells?

The normal range of lymphocytes in adults is between 1,000 and 4,800 lymphocytes in every microliter of blood. Approximately 10% to 20% of your lymphocytes are B cells.

Having consistently high or low B cells may mean you have a disease or condition. Your healthcare provider will need to perform tests to be sure.

What are the common tests to check the health of my B cells?

A standard test called a complete blood count (CBC) allows your healthcare provider to identify how many lymphocytes you have. It doesn’t provide specific information about specific types of lymphocytes, B cells and T cells.

If they suspect you have a condition related to abnormal B cells, your provider may order other tests that provide information on specific types of lymphocytes, like a lymphocyte profile (T and B cell counts) or a B-cell leukemia/lymphoma panel.