Tappisoluisiin

Tappisoluisiin, known more commonly as T-cells, are a type of lymphocyte and a crucial component of the adaptive immune system. They originate in the bone marrow but mature in the thymus, a small gland located behind the breastbone. This maturation process is essential for T-cells to differentiate and develop their specific functions.

There are several subtypes of T-cells, each with distinct roles. Helper T-cells (also known as CD4+ T-cells) play a central role in coordinating the immune response. They help activate other immune cells, including B-cells to produce antibodies and cytotoxic T-cells to kill infected cells. Cytotoxic T-cells (also known as CD8+ T-cells) are directly responsible for identifying and killing cells that are infected with viruses or have become cancerous. Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are important for maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune reactions, ensuring that the immune system does not attack the body's own tissues.

T-cells recognize specific antigens, which are molecules typically found on the surface of pathogens or abnormal cells. This recognition is mediated by the T-cell receptor (TCR) on the surface of the T-cell, which interacts with antigen fragments presented by other cells, such as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) or infected cells. This targeted approach allows the immune system to mount a precise and effective defense against a wide range of threats.