lymphocytes can enter mitosis when they are activated by mitogens or antigens. b cells specifically can divide when they encounter an antigen matching their immunoglobulin. t cells undergo mitosis when stimulated by mitogens to produce small lymphocytes that are then responsible for the production of lymphokines, which are substances that modify the host organism to improve its immunity. b cells, on the other hand, divide to produce plasma cells when stimulated by mitogens, which then produce immunoglobulins, or antibodies. mitogens are often used to stimulate lymphocytes and thereby assess immune function. the most commonly used mitogens in clinical laboratory medicine are: