Hjelpetceller

Hjelpetceller are specialized cells that perform supportive and regulatory functions within an organism. The term originates from the Norwegian word “hjelp,” meaning help, and is often used in biological contexts to describe cells that assist or maintain the normal operations of other cells. In many tissues, these cells differ from the primary functional cell types but are essential for structural integrity, signaling, and overall homeostasis.

In the nervous system, hovedgjennomsnitt (chiefly glial cells) such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia are considered classic examples of hjelp cells. Astrocytes regulate neurotransmitter levels and maintain the blood‑brain barrier; oligodendrocytes provide myelination for axons; microglia serve as the brain’s resident immune cells. In the immune system, helper T‑cells—also termed “hjelpetceller” in Norwegian literature—mediate communication between different immune components and coordinate immune responses. In adipose tissue, adipose stromal cells act as helper cells, secreting cytokines that influence metabolism and inflammation.

Research on hjelp cells has revealed their dual roles in health and disease. Dysregulation of glial cells contributes to neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, while dysfunctional helper T‑cells are implicated in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes. Continued investigation into the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of these support cells holds promise for novel therapeutic strategies that target their regulatory functions.