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Bone marrow: Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside bones. All of the cells of the immune system initially come from the bone marrow during a process called hematopoiesis. During this process, stem cells in the bone marrow either develop into mature immune cells or immature immune cells. The immature immune cells leave the bone marrow and mature in other areas of the body, such as the thymus gland. Lymph nodes: The lymph nodes are small glands found throughout the body. The lymph nodes filter a type of bodily fluid called lymph fluid. The immune cells inside the lymph nodes capture foreign substances that are present in this fluid, preventing them from causing an infection. Spleen: The spleen, which is a dark red oval organ on the left side of the body, filters the blood. The immune cells in this organ destroy foreign invaders that are present in a person's blood. Thymus gland: The thymus gland, which is located in the front of the chest area, produces white blood cells called T–cells that help the body fight against disease and infection. This gland is most prominent early in life. Once an individual reaches puberty, the gland gradually decreases in size throughout adulthood.
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