Medical Definition of T helper cell
1.
A subset of lymphocytes that secrete various cytokines that regulate the immune response.
They are T lymphocytes specifically involved in the differentiation of B lymphocytes into antibody secreting cells. Loss of T helper cells, is seen in patients with HIV infection, and this produces immunosuppression.
macrophages attract T helper cells and present an antigen onto which the T helper cell binds. The T helper cell is then activated and produces and secretes potent lymphokine hormones that stimulate B-cell production of antibodies, signals natural killer or cytotoxic T-cells, and attracts more macrophages.
There are subsets of T helper cells: TH1 helping with {cellular} immunity and TH2 with humoural {immunity}.
(08 Aug 2003)
Lexicographical Neighbors of T Helper Cell
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