Which type of blood cell helps the body fight infection?

White blood cells help the body fight infection.

Also called leukocytes, white blood cells are immune-system cells that identify, attack, and help remove pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They circulate through the blood but also move into tissues and lymphatic organs, where many immune responses take place.

White blood cells are a diverse group rather than a single cell type. Neutrophils are rapid responders that can engulf microbes, while lymphocytes include B cells, which produce antibodies, and T cells, which coordinate immune defenses or destroy infected cells. Monocytes can develop into macrophages, cells that consume pathogens and damaged material. Eosinophils and basophils also contribute to immune and allergic responses.

Platelets help blood clot, red blood cells carry oxygen, and plasma is the liquid portion of blood; none is the broad answer to this question. Plasma cells are specialized antibody-producing cells derived from B lymphocytes, so they are related to immunity but are only one particular immune-cell type. White blood cells are produced mainly in bone marrow and are central to both innate and adaptive immunity.