T-lymphocytes Full Form

T-lymphocytes Full Form

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jan 18, 2023 02:36 PM IST

What is the full form of T-lymphocytes?

T-lymphocytes stand for the Thymus lymphocytes. T-lymphocytes are one of the immune system's WBC( White Blood Cells). T-lymphocytes are different from other lymphocytes by the presence of Thymus Cell Receptors (TCR) on their cell surface. They are found in the bone marrow and are born from hematopoietic stem cells. These T-cells then migrate to the thymus; thus, they derive their name from the thymus as T-lymphocytes. These cells attack other body cells infected by some bacteria, viruses etc. The helper T-cells recognise other foreign pathogens on the surfaces of other cells, and then they start making B cells to develop antibodies and signal killer T-cells to destroy the antigen-display cells.

Types of T-Cells or T-lymphocytes

T-Cells are significant parts of the immune system. The different types of T-Cells are

  • Effector Cells: A naive cell becomes an effector T-cell depending upon the APC. They generally have a short life span. They perform the function of an immune system.

  • Cytotoxic T-Cells: The primary role of these cells is to kill target cells. When they detect any infected cell, they aim to kill/ remove those cells through apoptosis.

  • Helper T-Cells: These are important for most adaptive immune responses; thus, these cells are highly responsible for cellular immunity. These get activated when antigens are present in cells, and they can divide into cell subtypes.

  • Regulatory T-Cells: They mainly work to stop autoimmune response once the hazard has been eliminated.

Function of T-Cells

  • T-cells are responsible for killing the infected host cells.

  • The production of cytokines in T-cells helps activate immune cells to boost the body's immunity.

  • Immune response, memory and homeostasis setting and responses are based on T-cells.

  • T-cells sustain self-tolerance and immunological memory.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the other name for helper T-lymphocyte cells?

The other name for helper T-cells is CD4+ T-cells.

2. What is the other name for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte cells?

The other name for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte cells are CD8+ T-cells.

3. Where are T-lymphocytes found?

They are mainly present in lymphoid organs like bone marrow, spleen, tonsils etc.

4. Out of all, which T-Cell is considered essential?

Helper T-cell is considered the most important out of all.

5. What does a T-Cell require for its survival?

Like all other cells, they also need signals from their environment for survival.

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