Basis of differentiation 

T cells 

B cells 

Origin 

Bone marrow

Bone marrow

Location of maturation stage

Thymus

Bone marrow

Also known as

T lymphocytes

B lymphocytes

Located

Inside lymph node

Outside lymph node

Membrane receptor for antigen 

TCR (T cell receptor) 

BCR (B cell receptor)

Surface antibodies

Absent 

Present 

Secrete

Lymphokines

Antibodies

Life span 

Long 

Short 

Connect 

Connect to the virus antigen on the outside

Connect only to the surface of invading bacteria and virus

Types 

Two types – Cytotoxic T cells & helper T cells 

Only one active type