What Are T-Cells?
T-cells are a type of lymphocyte (white blood cell). They are an important part of the immune system. There are two main types of T-cells. T-4 cells, also called CD4+, are “helper” cells. They lead the attack against infections. T-8 cells (CD8+) are “suppressor” cells that end the immune response. CD8+ cells can also be “killer” cells that kill cancer cells and cells infected with a virus. Researchers can tell the T-cells apart by specific proteins on the cell surface. A T-4 cell is a T-cell with CD4 molecules on its surface. This type of T-cell is also called “CD4 positive,” or CD4+.
