T Cells - SCI & TECH
News: Early clinical trial sheds
light on regulatory T cell therapies
What's in the news?
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New findings from a clinical trial offer insights
into the efficacy of infusions containing regulatory T cells, aimed at
modulating the immune response, particularly in pediatric patients diagnosed
with type 1 diabetes.
T Cells:
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T cells, also known as T lymphocytes or thymocytes, represent a subset of white blood
cells crucial for immune function.
Origin:
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They originate
from stem cells within the bone marrow and play a pivotal role in defending the body against infections
and potentially combating cancerous cells.
Types of T Cells:
1. Cytotoxic T-cells:
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These specialized T cells are tasked with the
destruction of infected cells within the body.
2. Helper T-cells:
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Functioning as coordinators of the immune response,
helper T-cells transmit signals that guide other immune cells in combatting
infections.
Functionality:
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T cells exhibit specificity in their immune
response, targeting particular antigens
rather than attacking indiscriminately.
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Equipped with numerous identical T-cell receptors
covering their surfaces, T cells can only
bind to antigens possessing a specific shape.
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Upon encountering their corresponding viral antigen
on an infected cell, Killer T-cells release cytotoxins aimed at eliminating the
infected cell from the body.