What are the differences between lymphocytes and macrophages?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Lymphocytes

Macrophages

Definition

Are white blood cells that are involved in adaptive immunity

Are white blood cells that are involved in innate immunity

Origin

B cells originate and mature in bone marrow; T cells originate in bone marrow and mature in thymus

Macrophages are derived from monocytes; Monocytes circulate in the bloodstream and migrate into tissues where they differentiate into macrophages.

Location

Can be found in the blood and lymphatic system

Can be found in almost everywhere in the body including brain, lung, liver, and bones.

Size

are comparatively smaller in size

are comparatively larger in size

Types

T cells
B cells
Natural killer (NK) cells

M1 (classically activated
M2 (alternatively activated)

Specific functions

T cells and NK cells directly kill infected cells
B cells produce antibodies

Defend against pathogens 
Help to clear old, senescent, and dead cells
Contribute to tissue homeostasis  and repair

Associated diseases

HIV/AIDS
Autoimmune diseases
Hepatitis
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Mononucleosis
Syphilis

Chronic inflammatory diseases
Cancer
Neurodegenerative diseases
Sepsis

Clinical applications

Vaccines
Immunotherapies

Cancer therapies
Anti-inflammatory drugs

Basis of differentiation	Lymphocytes	Macrophages
Definition	Are white blood cells that are involved in adaptive immunity	Are white blood cells that are involved in innate immunity
Origin	B cells originate and mature in bone marrow; T cells originate in bone marrow and mature in thymus	Macrophages are derived from monocytes; Monocytes circulate in the bloodstream and migrate into tissues where they differentiate into macrophages.
Location	Can be found in the blood and lymphatic system	Can be found in almost everywhere in the body including brain, lung, liver, and bones.
Size	are comparatively smaller in size	are comparatively larger in size
Types	T cells B cells Natural killer (NK) cells	M1 (classically activated M2 (alternatively activated)
Specific functions	T cells and NK cells directly kill infected cells B cells produce antibodies	Defend against pathogens Help to clear old, senescent, and dead cells Contribute to tissue homeostasis and repair
Associated diseases	HIV/AIDS Autoimmune diseases Hepatitis Hodgkin’s lymphoma Mononucleosis Syphilis	Chronic inflammatory diseases Cancer Neurodegenerative diseases Sepsis
Clinical applications	Vaccines Immunotherapies	Cancer therapies Anti-inflammatory drugs