helper T cell

helper T cell
noun
T cell with CD4 receptor that recognizes antigens on the surface of a virus-infected cell and secretes lymphokines that stimulate B cells and killer T cells; helper T cells are infected and killed by the AIDS virus
• Syn: ↑helper cell, ↑CD4 T cell, ↑CD4 cell
• Hypernyms: ↑T cell, ↑T lymphocyte

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noun or helper cell
Usage: usually capitalized T
: a T cell that participates in an immune response by recognizing a foreign antigen and secreting lymphokines to activate T cell and B cell proliferation and that is reduced to 20 percent or less of normal numbers in AIDS — called also T-helper cell — compare cytotoxic t cell herein suppressor t cell herein

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Immunol.
a T cell that stimulates B cells to produce antibody against a foreign substance, using lymphokines or direct contact as a signal. Also called T helper cell.

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helper T lymphocyte or helper T cell noun (immunology)
A thymus-derived lymphocyte which co-operates with B lymphocytes to enable them to produce an antibody when stimulated by an antigen
• • •
Main Entry: ↑help

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helper T cell,
a T cell that bolsters the activity of B cells: »

Helper T cells, which normally make up 40 to 60 per cent of all T cells in the blood, boost immune activity (Paul Katz).


Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • helper T cell — n. a type of T cell that helps coordinate the immune response, especially by activating B cells: the AIDS virus targets and destroys these T cells …   English World dictionary

  • helper T cell — help·er T cell .hel pər tē n a T cell that participates in an immune response by recognizing a foreign antigen and secreting lymphokines to activate T cell and B cell proliferation, that usu. carries CD4 molecular markers on its cell surface, and …   Medical dictionary

  • helper T cell — noun Date: 1974 a T cell that participates in an immune response by recognizing a foreign antigen and secreting lymphokines to activate T cell and B cell proliferation and that usually carries CD4 molecular markers on its cell surface called also …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • helper T cell — Immunol. a T cell that stimulates B cells to produce antibody against a foreign substance, using lymphokines or direct contact as a signal. Also called T helper cell. * * * …   Universalium

  • helper T-cell — a type of T lymphocyte that plays a key role in cell mediated immunity by recognizing foreign antigen on the surface of antigen presenting cells (see APC) when this is associated with the individual s MHC antigens, having been processed by… …   Medical dictionary

  • helper T-cell — a type of T lymphocyte that plays a key role in cell mediated immunity by recognizing foreign antigen on the surface of antigen presenting cells (see APC) when this is associated with the individual s MHC antigens, having been processed by… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • helper T cell — See: helper cell …   Glossary of Biotechnology

  • helper T cell — A type of white blood cell that helps stimulate immune system reactions. Helper T cells help activate cytotoxic T cells and macrophages by secreting cytokines. They also stimulate B cells to make antibodies …   English dictionary of cancer terms

  • helper T-cell — See T helper cells …   Dictionary of molecular biology

  • helper T cell — n. imu any of a group of T cells that activate the immune system either by enhancing the production of antibody and other T cells or by mobilizing macrophages to engulf invading particles …   From formal English to slang

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