BRAINCAKET Cells
T lymphocytes (T cells) are made in the bone marrow but mature in the thymus, a gland in the chest. Each T cell has T cell receptors on its surface, all with the same shape, complementary to one specific antigen.
Unlike B cells, T cells cannot recognise free antigens in body fluids. A T cell receptor only binds to an antigen fragment when it is presented on an MHC protein on the surface of another cell. This may be an antigen-presenting cell such as a macrophage, or a body cell infected by a virus or other pathogen. This means T cells can respond to pathogens inside body cells, where antibodies cannot reach them.
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
Key terms in this lesson
- cytokine
- A small signalling protein released by cells, especially of the immune system, that influences the behaviour of other cells.
- mhc protein
- A protein displayed on the surface of body cells that presents antigen fragments to T cells, allowing self to be distinguished from non-self.
More in Response to Infection
- Fevers
- Phagocytosis
- Lymphocytes
- B cells
- The Humoral Response
- The Effector Stage
- Clonal Selection
- Antibodies
All 20 lessons in Response to Infection · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics