About The Immune System: T-cells
T-cells are a special type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. T-cells are part of what makes the immune system in the human body function by clearing infections, preventing concurrent reinfections, protect against auto-immune diseases, and deactivate at a specific time.
Types
The five different types of T-cell are the Helper, Regulatory, Cytotoxic, Memory, and Natural Killer T-cell. Although a sixth T-cell has been identified by scientists, called Gamma Delta, the exact function of this cell is related to detection of non-protein metabolic activity, versus the immune system.
Functions
Helper T-cells secrete proteins that help regulate and assist in the actions the immune system takes against infection. Regulatory T-cells deactivate the immune system’s response to infection once the pathogen has been eradicated. Cytotoxic T-cells are the warriors who destroy cells that are infected with viruses, reject transplanted tissues, and attack tumor-infected cells. Memory T-cells protect against reinfection of the same pathogen and are largely responsible in protecting against seasonal flu after vaccination. Natural Killer T-cells help protect against auto-immune diseases like diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cancer.
Fun Fact
T-cells derive their name from the gland that produces them, the thymus, located between the lungs, below the trachea, or wind pipe. The thymus is active in producing T-cells until puberty, then it slowly turns to fatty-tissue as we age.
REFERENCES
Absolute Astronomy: T-cell
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/T_cell
Natural Killer T-Cells
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Natural_Killer_T_cell
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