There are two main types of lymphocytes- B cells and T cells.

B cells mature in bone marrow, while T cells mature in the thymus.

The main difference between the two is their immune functions- B cells are responsible for antibody production, while T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity.

Both types of lymphocytes play a role in autoimmunity, but how they contribute depends on the specific autoimmune disease.

For example, in rheumatoid arthritis, T cells may be more important, while in type 1 diabetes, B cells may be more important.

Lymphocytes can also be distinguished by the presence or absence of certain cell surface molecules called clusters of differentiation (CDs).

More than 300 CDs have been identified, many of which are absent from lymphocytes but present on other cells of the immune system.

CD molecules play a role in cell adhesion, cell signaling, and receptor function.

They help to regulate the activity of lymphocytes and other immune cells.

Scientific studies have shown that certain dietary fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can help to regulate the activity of lymphocytes and other immune cells.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oil, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds.

They can also be obtained from supplements.

Including omega-3 fatty acids in your diet may help to reduce the risk of developing autoimmune diseases

Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that are essential to the immunological response of the body and play a vital part in this response.

There are two main types of macrophages: M1 and M2.

M1 macrophages are activated by cytokines and by various microbial components. M1 macrophages kill intracellular organisms and secrete cytokines.

M2 macrophages are activated by cytokines (eg, IFN-gamma, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13)as well as by many distinct microbiological components (eg, lipopolysaccharide), they also play varied roles in amplifying or limiting the inflammatory response.

The M1 type is usually associated with a more aggressive immune response, while the M2 type is typically associated with a more muted or limited response.

Macrophages play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. They are activated by cytokines and microbial components, which leads to the release of inflammatory mediators. These mediators can then damage tissues and contribute to the development of the disease.

Macrophages also play a role in the induction of autoimmunity. They can promote autoimmunity by presenting autoantigens to T cells, or by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Therefore, macrophages play an important role in both the initiation and progression of autoimmune diseases.