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T Cells definitions

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  • T Cell
    A lymphocyte of the adaptive immune system, requiring activation by antigen presenting cells to target pathogens.
  • Adaptive Immune System
    A defense system characterized by specificity and memory, involving cells that recognize and respond to diverse antigens.
  • Antigen Presenting Cell
    A cell type, such as a dendritic cell, that processes and displays antigens to lymphocytes for immune activation.
  • Antigen
    A molecular fragment from pathogens, processed and displayed by immune cells to trigger a specific lymphocyte response.
  • MHC Molecule
    A cell surface complex that presents processed antigen fragments to lymphocytes, crucial for immune recognition.
  • T Cell Receptor
    A highly variable surface protein enabling lymphocytes to recognize a vast array of antigen-MHC complexes.
  • VDJ Recombination
    A genetic rearrangement process generating receptor diversity, allowing recognition of numerous antigens.
  • Cytotoxic T Cell
    A lymphocyte subtype specialized in inducing death of infected or abnormal cells via mechanisms like perforin release.
  • Helper T Cell
    A lymphocyte subtype that stimulates other immune cells, enhancing responses through activation and signaling molecules.
  • Regulatory T Cell
    A lymphocyte subtype that suppresses immune responses, preventing overactivity and autoimmunity.
  • Co-stimulatory Molecule
    A surface protein required for full lymphocyte activation, ensuring immune responses occur only under proper conditions.
  • Cell Adhesion Molecule
    A protein facilitating stable contact between immune cells, essential for effective activation and signaling.
  • Perforin
    A cytolytic protein released by certain lymphocytes, forming pores in target cell membranes to induce cell death.
  • FAS Ligand
    A surface molecule that binds to receptors on target cells, triggering programmed cell death during immune responses.
  • CD8
    An accessory surface protein found on cytotoxic lymphocytes, binding to class I MHC molecules for target recognition.
  • CD4
    An accessory surface protein present on helper and regulatory lymphocytes, interacting with class II MHC molecules.
  • Thymus
    A primary lymphoid organ where immature lymphocytes mature and undergo selection before entering circulation.