Final answer:
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) affects immature B-cells, known as lymphoblasts, leading to impaired immune response and requiring accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
In acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the type of B-cells that are affected are immature B-cells, also known as lymphoblasts. These cells are early-stage lymphocytes that have not fully developed into mature B-cells. ALL is characterized by the overproduction and accumulation of these lymphoblasts, which can crowd out normal cells in the bone marrow and spread to other organs, impairing the body's ability to produce healthy blood cells and fight infections.
Lymphocytes, which include B-cells and T-cells, are part of the adaptive immune system. In ALL, the rapid production of lymphoblasts leads to an impaired immune response due to the lack of functional B-cells. It is essential for medical professionals to accurately diagnose and treat ALL to manage its progression and improve patient outcomes.