What is the function of T-helper cells?

T-helper cells are a kind of lymphocyte that are a key part of the adaptive immune system. The adaptive immune system is largely coordinated by T cells, of which there are several types, and B cells, the other kind of lymphocyte. T cells originate in the Thymus, while B cells originate in the Bone marrow. Once mature, the T cells affect the cell-mediated response to pathogens, whereas B cells remain in the bone marrow and produce antibodies, as part of the humoural response. T cells are activated once a complementary antigen is presented to them by an antigen presenting cell, such as a macrophage, which has taken and presented it from a pathogen. The T cell then begins to clone itself, before these clones go on to specialise into the different types of T cell, all of which are specific to the antigen. One of these types is the T-helper cell, which helps develop the B cells to respond to the specific antigen and augment the other killer T cells and phagocytes in their efforts to fight the infection. It does this by releasing cytokines, a kind of chemical messenger, that signals the other cells.

Answered by Theo F. Biology tutor

7349 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the role of ADH in water regulation


How does a deletion of a base in the DNA base sequence lead to a mutated protein?


Describe how mRNA is produced in the nucleus of a cell


Outline the roles of synapses in the nervous system


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences