T-cells

Introduction: T-cells

T-cells or "T lymphocytes" are white blood cells that have a key purpose in the immune system called "cell-mediated immunity". These cells identify and attack any body cells that are infected with viruses or otherwise identified as harmful or "non-self". There are numerous types of T-cells with different purposes ranging from identifying dangers (helper T-cells) to attacking infected cells. T-cells do not produce antibodies; that function is performed by plasma cells (a type of B-cell). Although produced in bone marrow, T-cells migrate to the thymus where they mature into various sub-types with specific purposes.

Article Excerpts about T-cells

T cells — small white blood cells (also known as T lymphocytes) that direct or directly participate in immune defenses. (Source: excerpt from Microbes in Sickness and in Health - Publications, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: NIAID)

a type of lymphocyte. T cells have T-cell receptors and, sometimes, co-stimulatory molecules on their cell surfaces. The T cell helps to orchestrate the immune system and can issue "orders" for other cells to make cytokines and chemokines. (Source: excerpt from Understanding Autoimmune Disease: NIAID)

Summary Information: T-cells

T-cells: Immune system cells that detect and attack viruses among other purposes.

Condition count: 0

Organ types: White blood cells (5)

Related organs: B-cells, immune system (145), white blood cells (5), thymus gland (3), bone marrow (9)

Organs: list of all organs