CELL-MEDIATED IMMUNITY - SUMMARY
As you will have seen from the section on cell-mediated immunity, the T-lymphocyte armies of our immune system have many functions.
The role that they are called upon to play in defence of our bodies (and our lives) are very varied, so specific T-lymphocytes are produced to fulfil these roles (T-cytotoxic, T-helper, etc.).
Below are some of the functions of the T-cell lymphocytes (this is a simple way to try and remember the functions of T-lymphocytes, because the letter 'T' occurs in each:
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They are of great importance in defeating infections by viruses (to remember this, think of TV). |
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They regulate the specific/acquired immune system and the production of antibodies (Think of TRIP - T Regulation, Immunity, & Production). |
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They fight fungal infections (FT = Financial Times). |
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They kill certain bacteria (BT = British Telecom). |
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They are a major defence against TB. |
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They reject non-self matter in the body, including Tissue Transplants. |
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They help to protect the host body from Tumours. |
I'm sure that you can devise your own ways of remembering these, and other, functions of the T-cell lymphocytes.