T Cells: Their Role in the Immune System

T cells, also known as T lymphocytes or thymocytes, are an important part of the immune system. They play a crucial role in protecting the body from infections and may even assist in cancer treatment.

Key Points:

1. Types of T Cells:

   1. Cytotoxic T-cells: These cells destroy infected cells.
   2. Helper T-cells: They send signals that direct other immune cells to combat infections.

2. Antigen Recognition:

   1. Unlike other immune cells, T cells do not attack antigens indiscriminately.
   2. Instead, each T cell has identical T-cell receptors on its surface, which can only bind to a specific antigen shape.
   3. When a T-cell receptor fits with its corresponding viral antigen on an infected cell, the cytotoxic T-cell releases cytotoxins to eliminate the infected cell.

3. Immune System Response:

   1. Antigens are substances that trigger the immune system to produce antibodies against them.
   2. The immune system recognizes antigens as foreign substances and attempts to fight them off.
   3. Antigens can come from the environment (chemicals, bacteria, viruses, pollen, etc.) or form within the body.

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