Immune cells mutate during defense against infection

According to a study published in the journal Nature, immune cells mutate as they fight off pathogen infection. Immune cells called lymphocytes are part of the acquired immune system and include memory B cells and memory T cells, both of which undergo some degree of genetic mutation in order to recognize and defend against pathogens. This normal genetic mutation primarily targets antibody genes, but produces collateral damage elsewhere. This off-target mutation can cause lymphocytes to become cancerous and develop into lymphomas.

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