2
$\begingroup$

My histology textbook says the following:

The pluripotential hemopoietic stemm cell (which resembles a lymphocyte) is a member of the null cell population of lymphocytes.

It then goes on to add:

There are three types of lymphocytes:

  • T cells
  • B cells
  • Null cells:
    • Pluripotential hemopoietic stem cells
    • Natural Killer cells

However, this is the only text I find that classifies Pluripotential hemopoietic stem cells as null cells. My question is: what are null cells? (and is this textbook accurate)

Thank you, jsx

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
8
  • $\begingroup$ When quoting, can you please make sure to quote exactly what is being said? It is part of academic ethics to not misquote (but typos happen, don't worry about it). I doubt your textbook says stemm cell and by this small typo of yours , it makes me wonder whether (which resembles a lymphocyte) was added by you or was in the original quotation. You also want to cite which textbook it is (and eventually add a link to it). Are the bullets a direct quote as well? If yes, you should start the lines with > to highlight that it is a quote. $\endgroup$
    – Remi.b
    Nov 13, 2017 at 18:40
  • $\begingroup$ This seems like either a very basic, very old, or very misleading textbook. The obvious meaning of "null cell" here is one that lacks both B cell receptors and T cell receptors. Such "null cells" would cover vastly more territory than the two sets mentioned, which is why I question the accuracy of the book. $\endgroup$
    – iayork
    Nov 13, 2017 at 18:44
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Did you have a look at wikipedia > null cell? $\endgroup$
    – Remi.b
    Nov 13, 2017 at 18:44
  • $\begingroup$ @iayork I understand that that is the definition of a null cell. I'm using Gartner's 'Colour Atlas and Text of Histology'. So, null cells are simply cells that lack the receptors that T and B cells possess, and as such include the natural killer cells, killer cells, PHSCs and other cells too? $\endgroup$
    – jxs
    Nov 13, 2017 at 19:21
  • $\begingroup$ @jxs As far as I know it's obsolete terminology. It probably included all those, but just by accident, just as "horseless carriage" would include a Tesla and a Ferrari as well as a Model T. $\endgroup$
    – iayork
    Nov 13, 2017 at 19:40

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
$\begingroup$

Null cells are a "slang term" for cells of the lymphocyte progeny that are not APC (antigen presenting cells) and lack T and B cell receptors - therefore they are the natural killer (NK) cells.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.