What is a key characteristic of immature white blood cells produced in leukemia?

Immature white blood cells produced in leukemia are often unable to fight infections effectively. In the context of leukemia, these cells, also known as blasts, are typically dysfunctional and lack the capacity to carry out the normal immune responses required to protect the body from infections. They proliferate abnormally, and although they may outnumber mature white blood cells in the bloodstream, their immature state means they do not perform the necessary roles in the immune system.

The inability to fight infections becomes a significant issue for individuals with leukemia, as the body cannot adequately respond to pathogens, leading to increased susceptibility to various infections. As a result, the presence of these immature cells represents a critical aspect of the disease and highlights the challenges in maintaining immune competence in affected patients.