T Cell Subsets and T Cell-Mediated Immunity

Abstract

T cell-mediated immunity is an adaptive process of developing antigen (Ag)-specific T LYMPHOCYTES to eliminate viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections or malignant cells. T cell-mediated immunity can also involve aberrant recognition of self-antigens leading to autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Ag specificity of T LYMPHOCYTES is based on recognition through the TcR of unique antigenic peptides presented by MHC molecules on antigen-presenting cells. T cell-mediated immunity is the central element of the adaptive immune system and includes a primary response by naïve T cells, effector functions by activated T cells, and persistence of Ag-specific memory T cells. T cell-mediated immunity is part of a complex and coordinated immune response that includes other effector cells such as MACROPHAGES, NATURAL KILLER CELLS, MAST CELLS, BASOPHILS, EOSINOPHILS, and NEUTROPHILS.