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Structure and Function of Leukocytes

Structure and Function of Leukocytes

An adult in good health typically has between 4,500 and 11,000 leukocytes, or white blood cells, per microliter of blood, which constitutes about 1% of the total blood volume. Unlike red blood cells, white blood cells contain a nucleus and other cellular organelles but do not have hemoglobin. Most white blood cells reside in connective tissues, particularly in lymphatic organs such as the lymph nodes, with only a small fraction present in circulating blood.
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Overview of Synapses

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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Immune Synapse in the Human System Using Imaging Flow Cytometry

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Immune Synapse in the Human System Using Imaging Flow Cytometry

Published on: January 7, 2019

[Leukocyte synapse: structure, function and significance].

Ke-Fu Wu¹, Guo-Guang Zheng, Xiao-Tong Ma

¹State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology & Blood Disease Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China. hiwukefu@yahoo.com.cn

Zhongguo Shi Yan Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi

|August 21, 2010

Summary

Leukocyte synapses, including immunological and virological synapses, form dynamic networks for cell communication and viral transmission. These structures, like flower-like polysynapses, are crucial in immune responses and persistent infections.

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Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Immune Synapse in the Human System Using Imaging Flow Cytometry

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Immune Synapse in the Human System Using Imaging Flow Cytometry

Published on: January 7, 2019

Assessment of the Synaptic Interface of Primary Human T Cells from Peripheral Blood and Lymphoid Tissue

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Published on: July 30, 2018

An Endothelial Planar Cell Model for Imaging Immunological Synapse Dynamics

An Endothelial Planar Cell Model for Imaging Immunological Synapse Dynamics

Published on: December 24, 2015

Area of Science:

Cellular Biology
Immunology
Virology

Context:

The immune system relies on complex cellular interactions.
Leukocyte synapses, such as immunological synapses (IS), are dynamic structures enabling temporary cellular networks.
Virological synapses (VS) are observed in viral-infected lymphocytes, facilitating viral transmission.

Purpose:

To review the structure and function of leukocyte synapses.
To discuss the significance of these cellular structures in health and disease.
To present novel observations of flower-like polysynapses in EB virus-infected cells.

Summary:

Leukocyte synapses are dynamic structures classified into synapse and kinase types, with variations among different leukocytes.
Inflammatory, leukemic, and virally infected cells exhibit unique IS and VS patterns.
Flower-like polysynapses, a multi-tunneling nanotube structure, have been observed in EB virus-infected human leukemic cells.

Impact:

Understanding leukocyte synapses is key to comprehending immune responses and viral pathogenesis.
These structures play a role in efficient viral transmission and immune evasion, potentially leading to persistent infections.
Further research into leukocyte synapses may reveal new therapeutic targets for infectious diseases and leukemia.