What T cells do?

T cells, which are processed in the thymus (hence their name), initiate, direct and terminate a type of immune response known as cell-mediated immunity. When T cells encounter an antigen, they divide rapidly and produce large numbers of new T cells, each with a specific function. Memory T cells recognize the invading antigen; helper T cells stimulate the production of antibodies; killer T cells destroy the antigen; and suppressor T cells suppress, or turn off, the helper and killer and T cells after the antigen has been destroyed.

In terms of their actual disease-fighting actions, T cells stimulate B cells to produce antibodies and to attack and kill invaders within specific cells. T cells also produce chemicals called lymphokines, which stimulate phagocytes to attack and kill invaders. Phagocytes are cells that engulf, or ingest, micro-organisms, antigens and cell fragments.

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