See Also: T helper cell(medicine)
Cell, helper(health)
helper cell(medicine)
Herbal medicine (botanical medicine, herbology, phytomedicine)(health)
helper(dictionary)
helper virus(medicine)
helper t lymphocyte(medicine)
Helper phage(medicine)
helper viruses(medicine)
helper factor(medicine)

T helper cell (medicine)


T helper cell
<haematology, immunology> 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)