T cells are a type of white blood cell that is crucial to the immune system. Without T cells, our bodies would be unable to fight off infections or diseases. There are two main types of T cells: helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells. Helper T cells help activate other immune cells, such as B cells and cytotoxic T cells. Cytotoxic T cells kill infected or cancerous cells.
T cell development begins in the bone marrow, where immature precursors called hematopoietic stem cells give rise to all of the different types of blood cells, including T cells. These immature T cell precursors then migrate to the thymus, where they mature into either helper or cytotoxic Tcells. Mature Tcells leave the thymus and enter the bloodstream, where they patrol for invaders or damaged host cells.
When a foreign invader, such as a virus or bacteria, enters the body, it is detected by special receptors on the surface of helper Tcells. This triggers the release of cytokines, which signals other immune cells to come and help fight off the infection. The helper Tcell also helps activate Bcells, which produce antibodies that can neutralize the invader directly. CytotoxicTcells are activated when they encounter infected host cells or cancerous growths inside the body. Once activated, these killerTcells release lethal toxins that destroy their target cell within minutes.
The importance ofTcells in maintaining immunity cannot be overstated – without them we would be vulnerable to all sorts of infections and diseases. Thankfully, our bodies are able to produce millionsof these vitalimmune Cells every day