Therapeutic Play Kit
Find information on
GAMMAGARD Therapy
Find detailedT Cells1
The primary role for T cells is to recognize foreign antigens presented by specialized cells (like B cells and phagocytes) and then activate the immune response by sending signals to other immune cells to clear the pathogen from the body. In addition to differing in their antigen-specificity, T cells have different functions. There are three types of T cells, each with a different role to play.
Helper T cells
Helper T cells assist Cytotoxic (Killer) T cells in their attack. Helper T cells also help B cells to produce more antibodies and activate phagocytes, like macrophage and neutrophils, so that they multiply and ingest bacteria.
Cytotoxic (Killer) T cells
Cytotoxic (Killer) T cells destroy the virally infected cells by releasing toxic granules that cause the infected cell to die.
Suppressor (Regulatory) T cells
Suppressor (Regulatory) T cells work by suppressing or turning off other T cells when the infection has subsided.
- Blaese RM, Winkelstein J. Patient & Family Handbook for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. Towson, MD: Immune Deficiency Foundation; 2007, p.4.
