t lymphocyte
Definition
Noun: A type of white blood cell (lymphocyte) that matures in the thymus gland and is a central component of the cellular immune response. T lymphocytes identify and coordinate the attack on infected or abnormal cells in the body.
Usage
T lymphocytes are a critical part of the adaptive immune system. They are often discussed in medical, biological, and health contexts. * The body produces T lymphocytes to fight viral infections. * A deficiency in T lymphocytes can make a person highly susceptible to illness. * Researchers are studying how T lymphocytes recognize cancer cells.
Advanced Usage
- Helper T lymphocyte: A subtype that activates other immune cells by releasing signaling molecules (cytokines).
- Helper T lymphocytes are essential for an effective antibody response.
- Cytotoxic T lymphocyte: A subtype that directly kills infected or cancerous cells.
- Cytotoxic T lymphocytes destroy virus-infected host cells.
- T lymphocyte receptor (TCR): The specific protein on the surface of a T cell that recognizes antigens.
- The T lymphocyte receptor binds to fragments of pathogens displayed by other cells.
Variants and Related Words
- T cell: The most common and equivalent term for T lymphocyte.
- Thymocyte: An immature T lymphocyte developing within the thymus.
- CD4+ cell: A common marker for helper T lymphocytes.
- CD8+ cell: A common marker for cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
Synonyms
- T cell
- Thymus-derived lymphocyte
Related Phrases
- T lymphocyte activation: The process by which a T cell becomes functional after recognizing its specific antigen.
- Proper T lymphocyte activation requires two signals.
- T lymphocyte depletion: A severe reduction in the number of T cells, often due to disease or medical treatment.
- The patient experienced T lymphocyte depletion following chemotherapy.
Noun
-
a small lymphocyte developed in the thymus; it orchestrates the immune system's response to infected or malignant cells
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