T lymphocytes definition

Immunised T-lymphocytes which can directly destroy appropriate target cells. These cytotoxic lymphocytes may be generated in vitro in mixed lymphocyte cultures (mlc), in vivo during a graft-versus-host (gvh) reaction, or after immunization with an allograft, tumour cell or virally transformed or chemically modified target cell. The lytic phenomenon is sometimes referred to as cell-mediated lympholysis (cml). These cells are distinct from natural killer cells (killer cells, natural) and from killer cells mediating antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity.

(12 Dec 1998)

Subpopulation of CD4+ lymphocytes that cooperate with other lymphocytes (either t or b) to initiate a variety of immune functions. For example, helper-inducer T-cells cooperate with B-cells to produce antibodies to thymus-dependent antigens and with other subpopulations of T-cells to initiate a variety of cell-mediated immune functions.

(12 Dec 1998)

Subpopulation of CD8+ T-lymphocytes which suppress antibody production or inhibit cellular immune responses. Suppressor-effector cells execute the message received from suppressor-inducer cells (T-lymphocytes, suppressor-inducer).

(12 Dec 1998)

Subpopulation of CD4+ lymphocytes which induce CD8+ suppressor T-cells (T-lymphocytes, suppressor-effector) to suppress antibody production by B-cells. They also stimulate other cellular immune responses.

(12 Dec 1998)

A classification of T-lymphocytes, especially into helper/inducer, suppressor/effector, and cytotoxic subsets, based on structurally or functionally different populations of cells.

(12 Dec 1998)